Bryan Kilgore, ERS, for Zondits. April 27, 2016. Image credit: PixelAnarchy
R-1233zd is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant that could replace R-123 in low-temperature chiller applications. R-1233zd, originally created as a foam propellant or blowing agent, has environmental benefits with a global warming potential (GWP) between 1 and 6, and ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0.00024 to 0.00034. Comparatively, R-123 has a GWP of 77 and ODP of 0.012.
Several manufacturers have introduced centrifugal chillers that use this emerging refrigerant alternative to R-123. The first came from Trane with their Series E CenTraVac chiller line, followed by the ETI-Z series from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Recently, Carrier unveiled the AquaEdge 19DV centrifugal chiller that uses R-1233zd at the China Refrigeration Expo in Beijing. The use of R-1233zd is emerging, and only time will tell how it will fit into the refrigeration market.