The world will eventually move toward green refrigerants

Along with Green refrigerants drive, we are exploring non refrigerant cooling solutions for specific applications as part of future exploration, says Kamal Nandi, Business Head and Executive VP – Godrej Appliances, Godrej & Boyce.

 

Refrigeration & refrigerators market trends in the present times 

Inflation has affected consumer sentiment in the mass segment, whereas the premium segments have been witnessing growth across town classes. The premium mix in the total contribution is expected to double this year compared to pre-pandemic years. On the back of this trend, in the refrigerator category, we have witnessed higher demand for frost-free and higher capacity refrigerators – such as 400 litres and above capacity: Top mount refrigerators with convertible technology, Side-byside door refrigerators, Bottom mount freezer and Frenchdoor refrigerators. Other trends in the commercial refrigeration market are greater acceptance of products with higher energy efficiency/BEE rating and growing demand for smaller capacity—Deep Freezers for domestic consumption and combination storage (cooler & freezer) range.

 

Latest trends are evolving towards refrigerants and the refrigeration industry as a whole?/ Could you share about products and technologies for nextgen refrigeration?

The pandemic has led consumers to seek health and hygiene and minimise effort during product selection and purchase. Catering to this demand, we introduced advanced ‘Nano Disinfection Technology’ in our range of frost-free refrigerators that goes a step further in sanitising the air in the refrigerator and eliminating germs on the exposed food surfaces by 95 percent. This is a giant leap in food safety in refrigerators. Along with these, in refrigerants, the major focus and drive are towards energy efficiency. More energy-efficient

compressors are being developed continuously for future readiness. Design innovation in the compressor, air flow and insulation are key factors driving energy efficiency and cooling retention. Higher internet penetration and increased smartphone access have grown digital familiarity by leaps and bounds, increasing demand for techenabled appliances. We are also exploring non-refrigerant cooling solutions for specific applications as part of our future exploration, apart from a continuous drive towards green refrigerants.

 

Natural refrigeration technologies shaping up 

We believe the world will eventually move towards embracing green refrigerants. Regulators will also introduce tighter norms; therefore, the demand for high-energy-efficient compressors, motors electronics, and insulation materials will grow. In line with Godrej’s commitment to the environment and sustainability, all our refrigerators use the most eco-friendly refrigerant, R600a,with zero ozone depletion potential, and thus help in reducing carbon footprint. In Air Conditioners, too, we have been driving the adoption of green refrigerants – R290, the least global warming refrigerant, and R32. We have focused on adopting green refrigerants across all categories, including deep freezers and medical refrigerators.

 

Price volatility in natural gases 

The refrigeration industry primarily uses iso-butane gas like R600A as a refrigerant or CPIP as a foaming agent, not natural gas, which is methane-based. Even our component manufacturers use LPG gas for heating applications, not natural gas. Since there is no natural gas consumption in the refrigeration industry, there will not be much impact due to price volatility in natural gas.

 

PCM reduces emission and controls cooling efficiency during transit 

PCM is one way to retain cooling efficiency during transit. However, we believe that the emergence of other technologies in the future, such as the Peltier-based solution – active cooling can help consumers retain cooling efficiency, especially during transit.

 

Factors for growth of Low GWP potential refrigeration

The amount of energy the refrigeration sector consumes; and the severe environmental impact of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons and hydro chlorofluorocarbons refrigerants – have been major factors for the growth of Low GWP potential refrigeration to save the planet from causing further hazards. Furthermore, with India’s growing economy and evolving standard of living, it is estimated that the use of refrigeration appliances will continue to multiply. Given India is a signatory to the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, the need for responsible consumption, energy, and environment conservation will be a key area of focus