As part of its Evolving Technologies portfolio, U.S.-based Hussmann, a subsidiary of Panasonic, has announced opening an extreme temperature lab for testing sustainable and environmentally friendly refrigeration systems, including those using CO2 (R744) and propane (R290).
According to Hussmann, the lab ‒ located inside the company’s 350,000ft2 (32,516m2) Suwanee, Georgia, facility ‒ contains a chamber that can go from −20 to 115°F (−28.9 to 46.1°C) in two hours.
“We [have] inaugurated our refrigeration test lab ‒ a space where our ideas and innovation turn into reality, allowing us to accelerate our progress to meet the changing needs in food retailing,” said Lianne Tombol, Vice President of Portfolio Solutions, in a statement to ATMOsphere, publisher of R744.com.
The company officially opened the lab on February 13 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Increasing CO2 production
Last December, Hussmann announced increasing its transcritical CO2 rack production capacity at its Suwanee facility to meet the “rapid adoption” of CO2 technology in the retail sector.
The company said that the added capacity focuses on its large outdoor CO2 platform, suited for new construction projects for large- and medium-sized retail applications. As part of its Evolving Technologies portfolio, the unit “accommodates various internal configurations,” with an “optimized footprint” for high snow areas,” Hussmann said in a press release.
“The rapid adoption of CO2 technology by many retailers has placed a strain on the current OEM capabilities, and [we are] responding to meet the challenge,” Hussmann said, with its transcritical CO2 rack compliant in all 50 U.S. states and listed by the independent global safety science company Underwriters Laboratories.
In addition, the company indicates it is increasing its capacity to produce its self-contained R290 products.
Hussmann expects the demand for CO2 and other natural refrigerants to accelerate, citing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s HFC regulations under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act that will limit refrigerant GWP in new equipment starting in 2025.
Founded in 1906, Hussmann provides refrigeration systems and refrigerated display cases for the retail market, with its headquarters in Bridgeton, Missouri.
“The rapid adoption of CO2 technology by many retailers has placed a strain on the current OEM capabilities, and [we are] responding to meet the challenge.”
Hussmann
