Applying R-290 in Commercial Refrigeration Applications

In the transition away from refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP), R-290 (aka propane) has emerged as a viable natural refrigerant alternative. Already widely used in low-charge, self-contained systems — such as small reach-in display cases, beverage coolers, frozen drink machines, ice machines and ice cream freezers — R-290 offers low GWP and high performance in applications that don’t require large refrigeration loads. Recent updates to the safety standards that regulate the use of flammable refrigerants present new opportunities to increase R-290 charge limits and expand its potential in commercial refrigeration applications.