Carrier Transicold has announced that it will be offering the more environmentally friendly refrigerant R-452A as an alternative for use in its truck and trailer refrigeration systems later this year.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently approved the refrigerant for transport refrigeration applications. Developed to reduce environmental impact, R-452A reduces emissions compared to R-404A, the hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant used in most land-based transport refrigeration applications.

 “As a near drop-in substitute, R-452A offers similar levels of refrigeration performance, fuel efficiency, reliability, and refrigerant charge in new equipment as R 404A, and we are pleased to be able to make it available to refrigerated transport operators seeking a lower global warming potential option to advance environmental sustainability,” said David Brondum, director, product management and sustainability, North America truck, trailer, rail, Carrier Transicold.

EPA has not banned R-404A for transport refrigeration applications, enabling refrigerated haulers to choose the option best suited for their operations. This allows for considerations of price and availability, fleet size and maintenance budgets, according to Brondum.

“Going forward, fleets may want to consult with their Carrier Transicold dealers to determine which refrigerant solution is appropriate,” said Brondum.

While Carrier Transicold will continue to offer R-404A, it will also provide R-452A as an option for new model Vector and X4 Series trailer refrigeration units, Supra truck units and direct-drive truck units that currently use R 404A. The refrigerant can also be used as a drop-in replacement for Carrier Transicold units already in service, although certain older models may require component retrofits or software updates, which can be accommodated through Carrier Transicold’s network of authorized dealers, the company says.

“Carrier Transicold’s larger goal of reducing the GWP of its transport refrigeration equipment goes well beyond the benefits of R-452A,” said Brondum. “We are committed to pursuing the commercialization of HFC-free refrigerants in road transportation refrigeration by building upon our expertise with CO2 refrigerant, also known as R-744.”

For more information about R-452A for transport refrigeration applications, click here.