MORRIS PLAINS, New Jersey, USA, 30 June 2019: Honeywell on June 26 announced a strategic partnership with China’s Midea Group to replace R-410a with Solstice N41 (R-466A)  in HVAC applications, including variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and chiller systems, Honeywell said through a Press communiqué. R-466A is a non-flammable and lower global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerant for stationary air conditioning systems, the communiqué said.

“We’ve partnered with the best-of-the-best in our industry to validate the performance of Solstice N41 as a breakthrough solution,” said Chris LaPietra, Vice President and General Manager, Honeywell Stationary Refrigerants. “We are helping to solve for safety, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability with this solution, which offers a GWP that is 65% lower than R-410a. Key partnerships, like the one we have with Midea, help ensure it is ready for broad industry adoption, later this year.”

Once commercially available in late 2019, Solstice N41 will be the first A1* (non-flammable), reduced-GWP R-410A replacement offered for stationary air conditioning systems, the communiqué said. All other reduced-GWP alternatives proposed to date as R-410A replacements are flammable, increasing risk, the communiqué added.

“As the first non-flammable refrigerant replacement for R-410A, Solstice N41 is a promising option to ensure our products are compliant with environmental regulations in target markets,” said Mingli Tian, General Manager, Central Air-Conditioning Division, Midea Group. “This cooperation will help us enter the new future with a sustainable and safe offering for end users.”

According to the communiqué, when it comes to safety, Solstice N41 significantly reduces the need for additional design and eliminates the need to incorporate the sensors and valves, typically required for minimising flammability risk. Early results also indicate this non-flammable, reduced global warming alternative to R-410A will eliminate the need for specialised contractor training for flammability mitigation – a big advantage for the industry as it struggles to recruit and retain certified contractors, the communiqué said.

Honeywell is a world leader in the development, manufacture and supply of refrigerants sold globally under the Solstice and Genetron brand names for a range of applications, including refrigeration, building and automobile air conditioning, the communiqué quoted Honeywell as claiming. Honeywell and its suppliers, the communiqué said, have completed a USD 900 million investment programme in R&D and new capacity based on Honeywell’s hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) technology.