Glen Refrigeration takes the leading way in high efficiency and Eco-friendly refrigeration solutions. R290 Refrigeration is the natural choice. R290 refrigerant has the features of low-carbon and environmentally friendly with a low global warming potential and zero ozone depletion potential, used in air conditioning and commercial refrigeration. Here is the list of Glen Refrigeration’s R290 refrigeration solutions.
What is R290 Refrigerant?
R290 refrigerant gas, the main component of which is propane, so it is also called R290 propane refrigerant. It is famous for its zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a global warming potential (GWP) of only 3, making it superior to traditional freon refrigerant in terms of environmental performance. It is colorless and odorless at room temperature, but it is flammable.
R290 refrigerant, also known as hydrocarbon refrigerant, is widely considered the ideal refrigerant for natural future, widely used in home air conditioning, home refrigerator, commercial refrigeration due to its environmental friendliness, energy efficiency, and high efficiency.
What are Key Characteristics of R290 Gas?
Here are the 5 key characteristics of R290 refrigerant:
- Environmentally friendly
- High energy efficiency
- Cost-efficiency
- Flammability
- Versatile Use
（1）Environmentally Friendly
Gas R290 has a global warming potential (GWP) of only 3, significantly lower than traditional refrigerants (e.g., R134a has a GWP of 1430 and R404 has a GWP of 3922). This means its greenhouse effect is only 1/480 of that of traditional refrigerants, reducing carbon emissions by 99.8%.
| Refrigerant | GWP |
| R22 | 1810 |
| R410A | 2088 |
| R32 | 675 |
| R404A | 3922 |
| R407F | 1825 |
| R448A | 1387 |
| R449A | 1397 |
| R452A | 2140 |
| R455A | 148 |
| R454C | 148 |
R407F, R448A, R449A, R452A are common R404A replacement. They have lower global warming potential (GWP) than R404A refrigerant and can often be used as direct “drop-in” replacements. But the GWP of these refrigerant are still very high, can’t meet the new F-gas Regulation.
From 2025, any new commercial refrigeration equipment cannot use F-gas refrigerants with a global warming potential (GWP) greater than 2500. New refrigeration equipment that is self-contained will no longer be permitted to use F-gas refrigerants with GWP greater than 150. Furthermore, in 2030, the current limit for any new refrigeration equipment will be entirely reduced to GWP 150.
From 2025, the GWP for the service and maintenance of refrigeration equipment will be limited to 2500; from 2032, it will be 750 for stationary refrigeration equipment. For already existing commercial refrigeration equipment that uses recycled or reclaimed F-gas refrigerants, it will be allowed to service and maintain them with GWP 2500 or more until 2030. The service and maintenance limit means a big part of commercial refrigeration equipment will have to be renewed with environment-friendly refrigerant options.
R455A and R454C both have the GWP less than 150, which are R404A replacement, which can meet the new F-gas regulations.
- R455A refrigerant is composed of three substances: 75.5% R-1234yf and 21.5% R-32 and 3% carbon dioxide (CO₂, also known as R744).
- R454C refrigerant is composed of two substances: 78.5% R-1234yf and 21.5% R-32
R455A and R454C refrigerant are both R404A replacement, but the price is expensive. While 290 is much cheaper. Gaz R290 propane GWP is only 3, this means that its contribution to the greenhouse effect (i.e. direct emissions) is negligible, and therefore, it is not restricted and can be considered a long-term refrigeration solution.
（2) High Energy Efficiency
R290 freon is not just greener, R290 condensing unit and R290 monoblock refrigeration unit deliver energy and cost efficiency.
From the above table, due to R290’s superior latent heat of evaporation and compression characteristics, it enables propane cooling system to achieve a higher COP under specific heat exchange conditions. R290 thermodynamic properties allows it to provide excellent heat transfer efficiency at relatively low compression ratios, reducing energy loss.
| Refrigerant | R404A | R454C | R290 |
| Type | HFC | HFO | HC |
| GWP | 3922 | 148 | 3 |
| Critical temperature (°C) | 72.0 | 88.5 | 96.7 |
| Boiling temperature (°C) | -46.2 | -38.8 | -42.1 |
| Glide temperature (°C) | 0.7 | 4 | 0 |
| Latent heat of evaporation (kJ/kg) | 200.9 | 227.5 | 425.6 |
| Liquid thermal conductivity [mW/(m•K)] | 11.9 | 11.0 | 14.6 |
| Vapor thermal conductivity [mW/(m•K)] | 77.2 | 94.2 | 111.2 |
In addition, R290 new propane refrigerant has a higher thermal conductivity than many synthetic refrigerants, which means it transfers heat faster in evaporators and condensers, transferring heat from one side to the other more efficiently, improving overall system efficiency.
(3) Cost-efficiency
R290 propane refrigerant price is lower. Compared with R404A replacement refrigerant, like R454C, R455A, r290 propane based refrigerant price is much lower. Although R455A and R454C can reduce its GWP by 95%, offering easy R404A replacement, however, its high price significantly increases production costs. In comparison, r290 gas price is slightly more expensive than R404A, but it is much lower compared with R455A and R454C.
Smaller charge volume. The R290 refrigerant charge costs is smaller due to its smaller charge volume.
High cost-efficiency of propane refrigeration systems. Refrigerante r290 is more suitable for the use of thin copper tubes. The reduced charge volume means that the heat exchanger can be appropriately smaller. This not only reduces the amount of copper and aluminum required in the system, but also makes the system more compact.
(4) Flammability
We all know that the flammable nature of R290 (propane) is its greatest safety risk. Due to the explosive characteristics, the injection volume is limited and the safety level is A3.
R290 propane as a refrigerant, it is flammable, we need to use some special tools during the maintenance process of r290 condensing units and propane refrigeration systems, like R290 leak detector. If you want to learn more about r290 refrigerant leak detector, feel free to contact with us.
(5) Versatile Use
Here are the main applications of R290 refrigerant:
- Commercial refrigeration
R290 propane refrigerant widely used in commercial refrigeration systems like multidecks, semi verticals, serve-over counters, freezer cabinets, display cases, blast freezers, blast chillers.
- Household refrigerators and freezers
Because the refrigerant charge volume of home refrigerators and freezers are all less than 150g, so R290 refrigerant is widely used in household refrigerators and freezers.
- Air conditioning and heat pumps
R290 also used in smaller, split air conditioning and commercial heat pumps.
- Specialty equipment
It is also used in ice machines, ice cream dispensers, and other specialized refrigeration and dispensing equipment.
Glen refrigeration is committed to develop reliable and cost-effective solutions for light commercial refrigeration market. We provide R290 condensing unit, R290 propane refrigeration unit and R290 propane compressor system for commercial refrigeration applications all over the world.
Discover Glen Refrigeration R290 Refrigeration solutions
Glen Refrigeration is the energy efficiency and environment-friendly leader in our industry in China. We offer a wide rang of outdoor condensing units and monoblock refrigeration units for commercial refrigeration. Please see the our products list below:
- Air-cooled Condensing Unit
- Water-Cooled Condensing Unit
- Indoor Condensing Unit
- Outdoor Condensing Unit
- Inverter Condensing Unit
- Multi-compressor Refrigeration System
- Wall Mounted Monoblock Refrigeration Unit
- Ceiling Mounted Monoblock Refrigeration Unit
- Top Mounted Monoblock Refrigeration Unit
- Side Mounted Monoblock Refrigeration Unit
- Bottom Mounted Monoblock Refrigeration Unit
- Vending Machine Monoblock Refrigeration Unit
The R290 Condensing Unit and R290 Monoblock Refrigeration Unit are more and more important for the refrigeration industry. Our innovative and full range of R290 refrigeration products, all designed to meet the unique needs of our customers.
Find the Best R290 Refrigeration Solutions for Your Light Commercial Cooling Application
(1) R290 Compressor
Glen Refrigeration offers Sanyo CRSS R290 compressor replacement of R404A compressor for commercial refrigeration and cold storage refrigeration, including R290 inverter compressor and R290 non-inverter compressor.
Here Are The Key Characteristics of R290 Refrigerant:
- Eco-friendly: Propane compressor is a green refrigerant compressor, contributing to environmental sustainability.
- Low Impact: Propane compressor refrigeration has a minimal impact on climate change, with a low global warming potential.
- Energy Efficient: Propane refrigerant has a higher thermal conductivity than many synthetic refrigerants, which means it transfers heat faster in propane refrigeration cycle, transferring heat from one side to the other more efficiently, improving overall system efficiency.
- Enhanced Safety: Requires less refrigerant volume, improving safety of the propane refrigeration loop and meeting regulations.
- Cost-Effective: Propane refrigerant compressor reduced charge volume means the heat exchanger can be appropriately smaller, reduces the amount of copper and aluminum required in the system, makes the propane refrigeration system cost-effective.
- Regulatory Compliance: Complies with regulations promoting eco-friendly refrigerants.
- Versatile: Suitable for various applications, propane heating and cooling systems, propane refrigeration systems, something like that.
- Quiet Operation: BLDC technology ensures quieter compressor operation.
- Scalable: Adaptable for different capacities and applications.
- Future-Proof: Aligns with evolving regulations, making it a sustainable choice for the future.
If you are interested in the R290 compressor for commercial refrigeration, please click here for more details: R290 Compressor
(2) R290 Condensing Unit (Air Cooled Horizontal Condensing Unit)
Glen Refrigeration enlarges its R290 condensing units, air cooled with horizontal R290 propane compressor refrigeration, including inverter and non-inverter, designed for medium and low temperature commercial refrigeration. Well-suited for multidecks, semi verticals, serve-over counters, freezer cabinets, display cases, blast freezers, blast chillers. Low height and high efficiency are of concern. This new series R290 condensing unit is equipped with a reliable Sanyo horizontal rotary compressor, developed with propane refrigerant, ensures greatest benefits in terms of climate-friendly solution.
Collaborative operations of DC inverter compressor and variable speed drive brings exceptional results in energy efficiency and quality of products preservation.
If you need more information of the R290 condensing unit, please click here: R290 Condensing Unit
(3) R290 Condensing Unit(Water Cooled Horizontal Condensing Unit)
Glen Refrigeration offers R290 condensing unit water cooled for positive and negative temperature refrigeration, designed for quiet and high efficiency operation, that replaces the traditional layout of compressor racks and long refrigerant distribution lines. Condensation by a water circuit, the heat is carried by the water loop out of the system and rejected by a dry cooler typically placed on the roof. Collaborative operations of DC INVERTER COMPRESSOR and electronic expansion valve using intelligent control system brings exceptional results in terms of energy efficiency and quality of products preservation. This solution can be connected to various refrigeration equipment like multidecks, semi verticals, serve-over counters, freezer cabinets, display cases and also cold rooms.
More information of the water cooled R290 condensing unit, please click here: Water Cooled Condensing Unit
(4) R290 Monoblock (Top Mounted Monoblock Refrigeration unit)
The R290 top mount propane refrigeration unit is designed for single door stainless steel refrigerator and freezer, double door stainless steel refrigerator and freezer, single glass door chiller and freezer, double glass door chiller and freezer. They are operated with the R290 refrigerant propane Secop compressor or Embraco compressor or Cubigel compressor. The integrated propane refrigeration package unit easy installation and easy maintenance.
Click Here For More Details: Top Mount Monoblock Refrigeration Unit
(5) R290 Monoblock (Side Mounted Monoblock Refrigeration Unit)
The side mount monoblock refrigeration unit operated with propane refrigeration cycle, designed for stainless steel worktop refrigerator and freezer. Equipped with high quality R290 compressor, Secop or Embraco or Cubigel. The collaborative operation of propane refrigerant and micro-channel condenser makes the propane cooling system higher efficiency.
Click Here For More Details: Side Mounted Monoblock Refrigeration Unit
(6) R290 Monoblock (Bottom Mounted Monoblock Refrigeration Unit)
The R290 bottom mount monoblock refrigeration unit mainly used in refrigerated vending machine, so also called vending machine refrigeration unit. The propane cooling unit combined R290 condensing unit and evaporator into a propane refrigeration package unit, installed on the bottom of the vending machine refrigeration.
Click Here For More Details: Bottom Mounted Monoblock Refrigeration Unit
(7) R290 Monoblock (Ceiling Mounted Refrigeration Unit for Cold Room)
This range of R290 ceiling mount monoblock refrigeration unit, designed for cold room and freezer room, allows to optimize the useful space inside the cold room, guaranteeing excellent performance, reliability and efficiency. This series of propane refrigeration unit adopts Sanyo CRSS R290 compressor, Sanyo DC inverter compressor and the SANHUA electronic expansion valve, with the intelligent inverter, make the R290 monoblock unit without the need of recurring maintenance. Sanhua four-way valve helps the propane refrigeration system to achieve reverse cycle hot gas defrost, high efficiency and energy saving.
Click Here for More Details: Ceiling Mounted Refrigeration Unit for Cold Room
(8) R290 Monoblock (Wall Mounted Refrigeration Unit for Cold Room)
Glen Refrigeration’s wall mount refrigeration unit has successfully opened up the market for small cold rooms and freezer rooms. The advantages of easy installation makes it easy to install into every cold room. Simple installation, easy operation, high efficiency, less maintenance make the wall mount refrigeration unit well-known for all over the world. Glen Refrigeration adopts high reliable Sanyo CRSS compressor and Sanhua electronic expansion valve, Sanhua four-way valve, all of these contributes to the high reliability of the propane cooling and also saves more energy.
Click Here for More Details: Wall Mounted Refrigeration Unit for Cold Room
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is R290 Becoming So Popular?
R290 refrigerant has the features of extremely low global warming potential (GWP), high energy efficiency, low cost and wide availability and others. It is driven by global regulation, like the EU F-gas regulation.
- Extremely low global warming potential (GWP): The GWP of R290 gas is only 3, with a low global warming potential, contributing to environmental sustainability.
- High Energy Efficiency: Because of the R290 propane refrigerant characteristics, like the higher thermal conductivity, improving overall system efficiency.
- Low Cost: The cost-effective of the R290 is not only reflected in the refrigerant charge volume, but also the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can be appropriately smaller, reduces the amount of copper and aluminum required in the system, makes the propane refrigeration system cost-effective.
- Wide Availability: R290 propane refrigerant not only used in commercial refrigeration, but also air conditioning and heat pump. It is a refrigerant suitable for high temperature refrigeration, medium temperature refrigeration and low temperature refrigeration.
What is the Main Disadvantage of R290?
The main disadvantages of R290 gas is flammability. Due to the explosive characteristics, the injection volume is limited and the safety level is A3.
Where is R290 Commonly Used?
R290 propane refrigerant is currently used in commercial refrigeration (like stand-alone display cases, ice cream freezers, bottle coolers, small walk-in coolers and so on); split-type air conditioners, Heat pumps, dehumidifiers, and also industrial processes……
Is R290 Safe to Use at Home?
Yes, the international standards strictly limit the amount of R290 allowed in a self-contained unit based on room size, ventilation, and safety features. This ensures that in the event of a leak, the concentration of R290 in the air will not reach a dangerous, flammable level.
But users should never attempt to service the propane refrigerant circuit. The installation and maintenance of the propane refrigeration system should be operated by the professionals.
Any interesting in the R290 MONOBLOCK, free free to contact with us by email or Whatsapp or fill out the contact form below.
Email: info@greehvacr.com
Whatsapp: 0086 15057108995
We look forward to your inquiry!
