Bridging the Gap to Lower Global Warming Potential Refrigerants

Jon Hacker
Proposal Status
Ready for Committee Review
Username
Jon Hacker
Proposer First Name
Jon
Proposer Email
jon.hacker@daikinus.com
Proposer Last Name
Hacker
Proposer Phone
(347) 255-5796
Proposed Session Description
Transitioning to Low Global Warming Potential Refrigerants is outlined as a key strategy for New York State to achieve its long-term climate goals. While low-GWP refrigerants are available today, there are significant technological, regulatory and skills gaps that must be addressed prior to wide-spread use. During this session, you’ll gain a better understanding of existing state (focus on NY) and Federal initiatives and regulations impacting the use of refrigerants in heat pumps and other HVAC equipment, the existing equipment and refrigerant options available today, and the challenges facing New York City and its workforce in adopting this technology.
Why is this session important?
The environmental impact of refrigerants is on the front of the minds of many BuildingEnergy NYC attendees, this session will provide them the information they need to better understand the slow progress made thus far, the challenges that exist, and the best way for them to enable a quicker transition to low-GWP refrigerants. According to NY’s Draft Scoping Plan, 14% of emissions from buildings are caused by HFCs released from building equipment and foam insulation. The Federal government is current working through national refrigerant regulations, while some states have already acted to enable low-GWP refrigerants to be used. However, there are many gaps that have not yet been addressed. Many states in the Northeast have not enabled the use of low-GWP refrigerants through their codes, contractors and technicians are not familiar with these new compounds, while limited equipment options exist that use these newer refrigerants.

Comments

Amalia Cuadra Mon, 05/02/2022 - 4:30 pm

Strong maybe. This is a very interesting topic. Our industry needs to be informed about the emission implications of refrigerants. We need to be informed about alternative refrigerants to R-410, which appears to be the standard in refrigeration-based technologies. In addition, poor design, installation, and commissioning activities may lead to undoing the gains of decarbonization efforts.  We should determine how much this talk is policy vs technical. As a committee, we need to decide what we want to present. Again, it’s an interesting talk. Is this the GAP that we want to talk about….now?! In time, this will be a bigger technical hurdle.  

Elihu Dietz Wed, 05/04/2022 - 5:19 pm

Round 1: YES HFCs are still the dominant refrigerant choice in the US, even though we have alternatives. An information session about why we aren't seeing low-LWP refrigerants in our market could help address these issues. The added context within the draft scoping plan is also helpful. The speakers are also trusted experts, from a major manufacturer and NEEP, which maintains voluntary performance standards for ccASHP. The session description was also catered to the theme of the conference, which is appreciated. 

Ben Sachs-Hamilton Mon, 05/09/2022 - 12:06 pm

Round 1 Discussion:Little information about leakage rates available. Interesting topic. Speaker has been on committee so knows NESEA well. Moves conversation, timely topic. Quality control question to be added into discussion if possible.

Amalia Cuadra Tue, 05/31/2022 - 10:53 am

ROUND 2 Comments:This would be a phenomenal talk on the state of affairs (mainly in NY State) for Low Global Warming Potential Refrigerants. The topic is engaging. It is a topic that our community should be more familiar with and knowledgeable of.  Both speakers are very knowledgeable. Jon Hacker represents Daikin. Ben Hiller is from NEEP (NE Efficiency Partnership). They may have a 3rd speaker if we wanted to expand the talk to a 90-minute session.  

Ben Sachs-Hamilton Fri, 06/03/2022 - 8:42 am

R2 Discussion:What do you want curator to do? Speakers are framing the topic correctly for the 60 mins. Confirm white paper has been published; if so, share with conference attendees ahead of time so they can come prepared to the talk. When a refrigerant is now longer allowed for new systems, what does it look like for building with the old refrigerant (e.g., maintenance, purchasing, etc.). Can/how do you retrofit your old systems to use new refrigerant?Industry really needs to talk about refrigerants; talk will discuss fed, state, and other regulations. Attendees will be informed to make better decisions. Has a white paper associated with it. Speakers are strong. Could bring in a 3rd if we wanted to focus more on install process. There's a need for the industry to know the context/history

Diversity and Inclusiveness
DEI will not be directly addressed in the content presented, however the topics discussed do have broad DEI implications.
Learning Objectives
Summarize the existing regulations that exist impacting refrigerants in HVAC equipment.
Describe the regulatory and skills gaps that need to be addressed to allow the proliferation of low-GWP refrigerants.
Examine the low-GWP refrigerants available today and evaluate the pros and cons of each.
Identify solutions to the existing gaps and methods to accelerate solving those issues.
Has this session been presented before?
No

NYC 2022 Areas of Focus

Session Format
Interview or structured conversation among panelists

Strongest Content Connection - NYC 2022

Reviewer 1
Dietz, Elihu
Reviewer 2
Cuadra, Amalia
Curator
Boren, Michaela
Proposal #
116
Session #
117
Committee Decision
Accepted

Presenters