Nature thanks a friend of propane

Propane is a hydrocarbon and a very environmentally friendly refrigerant. Depending on the appliance, its use ensures a 5-10 % reduction in energy consumption. As propane is a flammable gas, however, there are limits on the quantity that may be used and the size of the refrigerant circuit, meaning that this gas is best suited to smaller appliances such as Aida, Deli, EcoCooler and Promoter.

By using an environmentally friendly refrigerant, Norpe seeks to assist the joint effort to combat climate change. “Our largest customers have already decided at group level that they will no longer purchase appliances that use conventional environmentally damaging refrigerants. The efforts of Norpe towards this voluntary initiative include advances in R&D and refrigeration technology,” explains plug-in business director Pauli Tarna.

Besides refrigerants, other choices also affect the energy consumption of an appliance. Features such as LED lighting, regular servicing and correct refilling are very important. Each of these measures is worthwhile, and together they can achieve savings of as much as 20-40 per cent.

Tarna explains that Norpe has invested substantially in propane. The component filling equipment was already a major investment. New facilities have also been constructed with exceptionally good ventilation (propane is heavier than air). The appliances have also been redesigned in part to accommodate the special requirements of propane.

Only carbon dioxide is a more environmentally friendly refrigerant than propane. Tarna explains that this may even challenge propane in the near future. Carbon dioxide is a colourless, odourless gas. Although it is not flammable, it requires a very high pressure of about 100 atmospheres to function as a refrigerant, which places severe stress on the appliance components. Serviceable components of this kind are not yet readily available on the market, but this will probably change in future.