Flammable Refrigerants and STULZ Proactive Approach

The Context & Challenge: Flammable Refrigerants and STULZ Proactive Approach

In the ongoing global effort to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mainly represented by the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol which came into force on January 1 2019, The European Union has positioned itself at the forefront of global climate action through the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases, commonly known as the F-Gas Regulation. This comprehensive legislative framework represents a significant escalation in the fight against climate change, establishing the world's first complete phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 2050. This has led to the adoption of refrigerants with low Global Warming Potential (GWP), many of which are classified as A2L, meaning they are mildly flammable. Although these refrigerants are characterized by a relatively low level of danger, their flammability requires advanced safety measures in accordance with current regulations, in particular EN 378-2:2017 (which currently does not provide for exceptions or simplifications for low flammability fluids).

STULZ integrates these critical safety functions directly into the product design, ensuring inherently safe machinery. This strategy significantly maximizes unit safety and, crucially, simplifies management for the end customer, reducing their operational burden and long-term risks.

Maximizing Unit Safety Through Integrated Design

Our product-level approach to safety in chiller lines includes a comprehensive suite of features:

Redundant ventilation system: for low noise units, compressors are installed within insulated and ventilated compartments. This design incorporates preassembled redundant fans that operate continuously for safety, ensuring that if a gas leak occurs, the concentration is diluted, preventing the formation of an explosive atmosphere
Advanced gas detection system: for low temperature units (down to -40°C OAT), a refrigerant gas detector is installed at ground level within the compressor compartment. This detector triggers the shutdown of the unit at 25% of the lower flammability limit (LFL), except for the safety line components. This critical detection system has stringent requirements: it complies with EN 60079-29-1 and EN 14624 standards, has a SIL2 safety integrity level, and is certified ATEX zone 1
Independent Power Supply for safety components: to guarantee continuous functionality of safety systems even during a main power failure, a separate 230V AC emergency line and internal UPS are mandatory for certain versions, ensuring that safety components like gas detectors and ventilation fans remain operational
Factory Testing and Quality Control: all finished chillers undergo rigorous functional testing and leakage tests, including checking control parameters and calibrating sensors, ensuring high safety and quality standards before leaving the factory

The Added Value of STULZ

STULZ takes a comprehensive approach to safety measures, delivering significant long-term value to the customer. By embedding safety into the core product, we inherently reduce the complex responsibilities typically delegated to the end-user for explosion prevention and safety management.

Our dedication to "Climate. Customized." solutions means that while our units are tailored to specific requirements, the underlying commitment to safety remains universal and uncompromising. This proactive approach on safety translates into:

Reduced operational risk: minimizing the likelihood of hazardous incidents related to flammable refrigerants
Enhanced reliability and uptime: by mitigating potential safety issues, our chillers ensure continuity of service and reduce unexpected downtime
Lower total cost of ownership (TCO): Investing in a STULZ chiller means a sensible investment decision that pays off over the unit’s lifetime through reduced risks, operational efficiencies, and less need for complex external safety installations or ongoing compliance management by the customer

At STULZ, our solutions are synonymous with safety, reliability and quality. We believe that true cooling excellence encompasses not just performance and efficiency, but an unwavering dedication to safeguarding personnel and operations. Choosing STULZ is choosing a partner committed to your safety, every step of the way.