Solstice® R-454C for commercial and industrial refrigeration
Solstice® R-454C is a very low Global Warming Potential refrigerant developed for commercial and industrial refrigeration applications. With a GWP of 148, it significantly reduces climate impact compared with refrigerants traditionally used in the sector, such as R-404A, R-448A and R-449A.
It is an HFO/HFC blend with an A2L safety classification, designed to provide a balance between refrigeration performance, efficiency and reduced GWP. These characteristics make R-454C a particularly relevant solution for businesses looking to adapt their installations to a regulatory environment in which F-Gas rules are progressively encouraging refrigerants with a lower climate impact.
When should R-454C be used?
R-454C is suitable for high-, medium- and low-temperature refrigeration applications. It can be considered for certain new systems as well as retrofit or conversion projects involving existing installations, provided that the equipment and components are compatible with an A2L refrigerant.
Its main applications include:
- Commercial refrigeration.
- Industrial refrigeration.
- Supermarkets and food retail stores.
- Chilled and frozen cold rooms.
- Refrigerated warehouses and logistics facilities.
- Medium- and low-temperature equipment.
- Refrigerated transport.
Refrigerant selection should take into account the characteristics of the equipment, the required charge, operating conditions and the safety requirements associated with its A2L classification.
Characteristics and advantages of R-454C
One of the main characteristics of R-454C is its GWP below 150, considerably lower than that of many fluorinated refrigerants traditionally used in commercial and industrial refrigeration.
Its most relevant characteristics include:
- GWP of 148, significantly reducing the climate impact associated with the refrigerant.
- ODP of 0, meaning it does not contribute to ozone layer depletion.
- A2L safety classification, corresponding to refrigerants with low toxicity and mild flammability.
- Suitable for high-, medium- and low-temperature applications.
- Compatibility with POE lubricants.
- Suitable cooling capacity for commercial and industrial applications.
- An alternative to refrigerants with considerably higher GWP values.
Its low GWP makes it particularly relevant for projects where sustainability and adaptation to evolving regulations are important criteria when selecting a refrigerant.
R-454C as an alternative to R-404A, R-448A and R-449A
R-454C can be used as an alternative to R-404A, R-448A and R-449A in certain refrigeration applications. Its main difference compared with these solutions is the significant reduction in GWP.
While refrigerants such as R-404A have a high Global Warming Potential, and alternatives such as R-448A and R-449A already represented a significant reduction compared with R-404A, R-454C takes this transition further by achieving a GWP below 150.
This makes it an option worth considering both for certain new systems and for projects involving the conversion of existing installations.
However, replacement should not be approached as a simple refrigerant change. R-454C has an A2L safety classification, so it is essential to ensure that the equipment, components, refrigerant charge and safety measures are suitable for use with a mildly flammable refrigerant.
Before carrying out any retrofit or conversion project, a technical assessment of the installation is recommended, together with compliance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
