Hello,
I realize that there is a calculation methodology outlined in the LEED Guidance in order to determine whether or not refrigerants comply.
However, this methodology assumes that the amount of each refrigerant type (in tons) is known. What if we do not have this figure yet?
Can we simply say that R134a, R407c and R410a comply no matter their quantity since each of them has a Refrigerant Atmospheric Impact
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11478 thumbs up
April 15, 2010 - 6:37 pm
I wouldn't be able to tell you offhand whether those refrigerants would be compliant in all typical scenarios.However, I would emphasiz that compliance with this credit is highly dependent on the calculation that includes the refrigerent charge, so I would caution you from making any assumptions without doing at least a rough estimate of the charge.
Nelina Loiselle
Above Green239 thumbs up
September 1, 2010 - 3:52 pm
How does one estimate the refrigerent charge? Is this something you get from the manufacturer of the unit?
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11478 thumbs up
September 2, 2010 - 6:01 am
Nelina, this question is answered in the Checklists tab above in the Construction Documents section. A number of other helpful tips are also provided there. (This content is reserved for members.)
Jason Franken
Sustainability ProfessionalLEEDuser Expert
608 thumbs up
September 8, 2010 - 6:07 pm
No, the refrigerant will not always comply because the credit calculations consider the sum of the equipment leakage rate and refrigerant charge, as well as the GHG potential and ODP potential of the refrigerant. It's best to track down each of the required data points (with the help of an 3rd-party expert if necessary) and complete the calculations; GBCI will definitely require this to comply with the credit requirements.
Jim Chaters
sales managerMitsair
April 11, 2013 - 2:27 pm
I have read all thes threads and some of them touch on my question.
#1Where should I get the "gross ARI rated cooling capacity" for air to water heat pumps ?
This is not covered by ARI 550/590 which usually applies to chillers. The issue is if we use chiller numbers we are using lower numbers as we need more refrigerangt for the heat pump so our refrigerant per ton is higher even though the heating side of the heat pump has great efficiency and the chiller side or a chiller in general is not very efficeient. It seems like efficiency is being penalised. Is there a way around this as our number is too high fro the credit
Ante Vulin
Sustainability ManagerYR&G
80 thumbs up
April 15, 2013 - 9:52 am
If there is not an ARI standard for your equipment, I would suggest using the standard referenced by the manufacturer (such as EN14511) to determine capacity. Also, energy efficiency of systems is rewarded under other LEED credits. The purpose of this credit is to reward efficient use of refrigerants. Heat pump systems may or may not be able to comply, depending on configuration.