Refrigerants are a core component of heat pumps and HVAC systems, and they are categorized by their performance and environmental impact into HFCs, HFOs, natural refrigerants, and blends. Amid tightening environmental regulations—particularly in Europe—Daikin is leading the transition toward low-GWP refrigerants with cutting-edge technologies and solutions.
The Evolution of Refrigerants Toward Decarbonization
Conventional refrigerants such as HFCs (e.g., R-134a and R-410A) have long been used in heating and cooling equipment. However, their high Global Warming Potential (GWP) has become a major concern due to their contribution to climate change.
In response, HFOs (e.g., R-1234yf and R-1234ze) and natural refrigerants (e.g., ammonia [R-717], propane [R-290], and carbon dioxide [R-744]) have emerged as environmentally preferable alternatives. These refrigerants feature low GWP and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), significantly reducing environmental impact.
Additionally, blended refrigerants—such as R-454C and R-513A—combine the benefits of multiple refrigerant types to achieve a balance of safety, performance, and sustainability.
Regulatory Pressure Accelerates Innovation
In Europe, F-gas regulations are driving rapid change. The use of R-134a and R-410A is set to be banned by 2027, prompting a swift shift toward low-GWP refrigerants like R-32 and R-1234ze.
Daikin’s Technological Response
Daikin has proactively responded to these regulatory and environmental shifts by developing and commercializing heat pump systems that utilize low-GWP refrigerants:
- EWYE-CZ (Air-Source Heat Pump): Uses R-454C; capable of supplying hot water up to 70°C and operating in extreme cold down to –25°C.
- EWWH-VZ (Water-Source Heat Pump): Uses R-1234ze; delivers high-temperature hot water up to 90°C, making it suitable for industrial applications.
These systems exemplify the next generation of heat pump technology—combining high energy efficiency with environmental responsibility, and meeting a wide range of residential and commercial demands.
Future Outlook and Industry Impact
Refrigerant innovation will be essential to realizing a carbon-neutral and sustainable future. Demand for heat pumps utilizing natural or ultra-low-GWP refrigerants is expected to grow, particularly in industrial and district energy applications.
Leading manufacturers like Daikin are positioned to play a pivotal role in this transformation, accelerating the adoption of cleaner, smarter heating and cooling solutions worldwide.
Key Terms
- GWP (Global Warming Potential): A metric that quantifies the climate impact of a substance. Lower values indicate less harm to the environment.
- HFO (Hydrofluoroolefin): A next-generation refrigerant class with significantly lower GWP than HFCs. Designed to meet current and future regulatory standards.
- Natural Refrigerants: Substances such as ammonia, CO₂, and propane that occur naturally. They offer excellent performance but require strict safety measures during handling.
