Assessing sustainable energy options: R466A vs. R410A for air conditioning and refrigeration

The widespread use of R410A is under mounting pressure to gradually phase out due to its high global warming potential (GWP). The Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol mandates developed nations to eliminate R410A from air conditioning systems by the late 2020s, necessitating the adoption of alternatives by the mid-2020s. One such alternative, R466A, has emerged as a promising refrigerant mixture with thermodynamic properties that could make it a suitable replacement for R410A. R466A boasts a remarkable 65% reduction in GWP compared to R410A and is classified as non-flammable (Class A1). Previous evaluations in air-cooled chillers and residential split-system heat pumps showed performance mostly in line with expectations, with slight variations in capacity and efficiency compared to R410A. Additional experiments conducted in residential heat pumps and transport refrigeration units further supported R466A's viability as an alternative. Capacities varied by 5% decrease to 2% increase, while efficiencies ranged from 3% decrease to 4% increase compared to R410A. These findings underscore R466A's suitability for various HVAC&R applications, offering both reduced GWP and non-flammability, facilitating its integration into existing equipment designs or as a substitute for R410A in practical use cases.