A2L and R290 in commercial refrigeration: what's changing?

The transition to low-GWP refrigerants is expanding the options available in commercial refrigeration, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Among the most relevant options are A2L refrigerants , characterized by low flammability, and R290 propane , classified A3 and already widely used in stand-alone equipment.

Both solutions significantly reduce climate impact compared to traditional high-GWP HFCs , but they present significant differences in terms of permissible charge, safety, system architecture, performance, and maintenance. The choice must therefore be based on the specific application and not just the GWP value.

A2L and R290: the difference starts with safety

Safety classifications distinguish refrigerants based on toxicity and flammability . A2L refrigerants belong to the category of fluids with low flame spread, while propane R290 is classified as A3, therefore presenting a higher level of flammability.

This difference has direct consequences on system design. In general, A2Ls can be used with larger charges than R290 , making them suitable for systems with larger power and dimensions .

Depending on the application, A2L systems may require:

• specifically compatible components;
• leak detection systems;
• adequate ventilation;
• interception devices;
• evaluation of the concentration potentially achievable in the environment.

R290 , on the other hand, is often used in factory-sealed and self-contained equipment , in which the quantity of refrigerant is limited and the circuit is assembled and charged in the factory.

This is the case, for example, with refrigerated display cases, freezers, beverage coolers, and other stand-alone units. However, their increased flammability requires specific precautions during any operations on the refrigeration circuit.

R290: Extremely low GWP and compact systems

One of the main advantages of propane is its very low climate impact . According to the values ​​used by the European Commission in the F-Gas Regulation, R290 has an extremely low GWP100 and is classified among the non-fluorinated alternatives available for refrigeration.

Added to this are good thermodynamic characteristics , which have favored their diffusion in autonomous commercial equipment.

The main limitation is linked to the A3 classification . As the required cooling capacity increases, it may become necessary to use multiple independent circuits rather than simply increasing the load on a single circuit.

This feature makes the R290 particularly interesting for:

• plug-in showcases;
• stand-alone commercial freezers and refrigerators;
• small refrigerated systems;
• distributed equipment with independent circuits.

The modular approach can also offer advantages in terms of redundancy: a problem on a single circuit does not necessarily mean a downtime of the entire system.

A2Ls offer greater design flexibility

A2L refrigerants include different HFOs and HFC/HFO blends, each with specific GWP, evaporation temperatures, cooling capacity and glide characteristics.

Their lower flammability compared to A3s generally allows them to handle larger loads and therefore to extend their use to more complex configurations, such as remote condensing units, distributed systems and, where required by applicable standards, centralised systems.

From a design perspective, some A2L solutions may also offer greater continuity with traditional HFC-based architectures . This may reduce the amount of redesign, but it doesn't mean the transition is automatic.

However, it is necessary to check:

• compatibility of compressors and components;
• thermodynamic properties of the new refrigerant;
• glide of mixtures;
• loss management;
• ventilation and safety requirements;
• skills required of technicians.

Even among different A2L refrigerants, there can be significant differences. The A2L designation identifies a safety class, not a single technology with uniform characteristics.

The F-Gas Regulation pushes towards ever lower GWPs

The choice between A2L and R290 must also be read in light of the new European F-Gas Regulation.

For stand-alone refrigeration equipment, excluding chillers, the placing on the market of systems containing fluorinated gases with a GWP of 150 or more is prohibited from 1 January 2025 , except in cases where site safety requirements apply. For other stationary refrigeration equipment, the 150 limit will come into force from 2030.

This framework makes both non-fluorinated solutions such as R290 and A2Ls with GWP values ​​low enough to meet future thresholds particularly interesting.

Regulatory compliance alone, however, is not enough to determine which refrigerant is best.

The choice must take into account climate impact, energy efficiency, safety, costs, maintenance, and system configuration. For a small, stand-alone unit, R290 can be a very effective solution; for systems requiring larger charges and capacities, some A2L technologies can offer greater flexibility.

The future of commercial refrigeration will therefore likely be characterized by the coexistence of multiple refrigerants, chosen based on the application rather than through a single universal solution.