ii

INDIAN CHILLER SECTOR

TOWARDS LOW GWP
REFRIGERANT TRANSITION

THE ENERGY AND

RESOURCES INSTITUTE
Creating Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future
 INDIAN CHILLER SECTOR
TOWARDS LOW GWP
REFRIGERANT TRANSITION
Mr Ashish Saraswat and Mr Shanmuganathan K

THE ENERGY AND

RESOURCES INSTITUTE
Creating Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future
 © COPYRIGHT The material in this publication is copyrighted. Content from this paper may
be used for non-commercial purposes, provided it is attributed to the source. Enquiries
concerning reproduction should be sent to the address: The Energy and Resources Institute
(TERI) Darbari Seth Block, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110 003, India

Authors
Mr Ashish Saraswat, Associate Fellow,
Mr Shanmuganathan K*, Associate Fellow, Earth Science & Climate Change (ESCC),
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

Reviewers
Mr R R Rashmi, Distinguished Fellow & Programme Director, Earth Science & Climate Change (ESCC), TERI
Mr Jitendra Bhambure, Advisor Technology- Blue Star Limited

Acknowledgements Editorial and Design Team

We extend our sincere thanks to Mr Sheetal Rajiv Sharma and Sachin Bhardwaj
Kulkarni, Sr. General Manager R&D, Blue Star Ltd.,
Mr Kapil Bhatia, General Manager at Daikin Airconditioning Supported by
India Pvt. Ltd, Mr Shailendra Chauhan, Senior Manager, This work was supported by Children’s Investment
Daikin Airconditioning India Pvt. Ltd, Dr Nitin Karwa, Fund Foundation (CIFF) under the initiative SHEETAL:
Technical Leader – Stationary Refrigeration, Honeywell Alliance for Sustainable Habitat, Energy Efficiency
India Technology Center, Honeywell International Inc., and Thermal Comfort for All – working towards the
Mr Ramchandran, Director, Eskayem Consultants for opportunity for strategic actions to put forward the
sharing their valuable insights and support during sustainable cooling agenda in India. TERI is grateful
the course of the study. We are grateful to Mr R R to CIFF and Honeywell for their support.
Rashmi, Distinguished Fellow and Programme Director,
Earth Science & Climate Change (ESCC), TERI and
Mr Jitendra Bhambure, Advisor Technology- Blue Star Limited
for their constant support and guidance throughout the Disclaimer
study. We also thank our colleagues Mr Abhishek Kaushik*, The brief is prepared by The Energy and Resources
Associate Fellow and Area Convener, Centre for Global Institute (TERI) after carefully analysing and
Environment Research, TERI, Mr Manjeet Singh*, Associate processing the data and the information collected
Fellow, TERI and Mr Pradeep Kumar, Senior Fellow, Centre from primary and secondary sources. All opinions
for Research on Sustainable Building Science (CRSBS), expressed, as well as omissions and eventual errors
Mr Arupendra Nath Mullick, Vice President for their valuable are the responsibility of the authors alone.
insights and expertise.
We also extend our gratitude to TRANE for sharing the For more information
technical details of their case study project using the HFO Earth Science & Climate Change Division, TERI,
refrigerant based chiller at India Trade Promotion Organisation Darbari Seth Block, IHC Complex, Lodhi Road,
(ITPO), Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The contributions of TRANE New Delhi 110 003, India
greatly complements this report, in comprehending the Tel.: +91 11 2468 2100 or 2468 2111
environmental benefits associated with the HFO refrigerants Fax: +91 11 2468 2144 or 2468 2145
and its potential benefits in the coming years. Email: [email protected]
Web: www.teriin.org
* Was with TERI during the development of the Report

Indian Chiller Sector: Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

MESSAGE
Thermal Comfort is one of the primary considerations for healthy living, sustainable development
and India’s commitment to climate resilience, and integrating climate friendly technologies with
building design & construction is a clear path toward increased energy efficiency in buildings.
To this end, Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) Council has accounted for
the requirements of the Energy Conservation Building Code within the GRIHA Rating System,
effectively ensuring a shift toward greener building material and envelopes, as well as a reduction
in the energy demands of building equipment. India’s tropical climate, demanding significant
cooling loads, poses a unique challenge in addressing thermal comfort through the minimal and
efficient usage of equipment. Vapor compression chillers are usually the equipment of choice
in India’s commercial building sector, mostly employing environmentally hazardous refrigerants
that contribute to climate change. With the introduction of the India Cooling Action Plan, India’s
policies are converging with that of global economies towards implementing the requirements
of the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment. It is therefore high time to invest in the analysis
of opportunities for low GWP refrigerants that could ensure a future of environmentally friendly
thermal comfort in India.

It is my firm belief that this report could be a building block in India’s quest to achieve environmentally
friendly cooling. I congratulate the writers, reviewers and stakeholders involved in the inception,
evolution and preparation of this report.

Sanjay Seth
Chief Executive Officer
GRIHA Council

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 v

TABLE OF
CONTENTS

Abbreviations and Acronyms........................................................................................................ vii

Abstract......................................................................................................................................... viii
Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 1
Background......................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Space Cooling: Air Conditioning in India.............................................................................5
Factors Influencing Architect of India’s Chiller Sector ...............................................................6
Chillers – Key Constituent to India’s Space Cooling ....................................................................8
2.1 Market Players, Capacities, and Size ...................................................................................9
2.2 Market Dynamics ............................................................................................................... 10
Progression of Refrigerants ..........................................................................................................12
3.1 Refrigerant Movement in Indian Chillers .......................................................................... 13
3.2 Selection Criteria of Refrigerants in Chillers .................................................................... 15
3.3 Barriers: Adopting Low GWP Refrigerants in Chillers ...................................................... 16
Opportunity Levers to Adopt Low-GWP Refrigerants in Indian Chillers .................................. 19
4.1 Investment in Infrastructure.............................................................................................. 19
4.2 Energy-Efficiency Framework ...........................................................................................20
4.3 Energy-Efficiency Framework ........................................................................................... 22
4.4 District Cooling Initiatives ................................................................................................23
4.5 Financing Mechanisms .....................................................................................................24
Case Study 1 ..................................................................................................................................25
Case Study 2 ................................................................................................................................. 27
Way Forward .................................................................................................................................28
References..................................................................................................................................... 31

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

ABBREVIATIONS
AND ACRONYMS

ASHRAE The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

BEE Bureau of Energy Efficiency
BIS Bureau of Indian Standards
BTU British thermal unit
CFC Chlorofluorocarbon
COP Coefficient of performance
GHG greenhouse gases
GtCO2 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide
GWP Global Warming Potential
HCFC Hydrochlorofluorocarbon
HCFO Hydrochlorofluoroolefin
HFC Hydrofluorocarbon
HFO Hydrofluoro olefin
HVAC Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
ICAP India Cooling Action Plan
ISHRAE Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
NECA National Energy Conservation Awards
ODP Ozone Depleting Potential
ODS Ozone Depleting Substances
RAMA Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Manufacturers Association
VCR Vapor-compression refrigeration

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 ABSTRACT

Rising global temperature because of colossal greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere is
severely affecting the livelihoods of billions of inhabitants, animals, and other species. The persistent
rise in temperature has steered the demand for thermal comfort (cooling need) multifold times in
recent years and transformed it as a basic need for better productivity and economic development.
The continuous growth of cooling, catering to the cross-sectoral needs, has accelerated energy
consumption, refrigerant consumption, and its associated greenhouse gases emissions across
all nations. However, the efforts of international commitments, national policies, and practices of
clean technology solutions are complementing the abatement of increasing energy consumption
and its associated greenhouse gas emissions. As the Indian chiller sector moves ahead, abiding
the India Cooling Action Plan and the use of refrigerants with low global warming potential are
the key towards India’s commitments to global climate agendas. The paper aims to present
the technology landscaping, challenges and opportunities for holistic integration of low-GWP
refrigerants in the chiller sector in India. The study has investigated the different types of chiller
technologies and refrigerant options. The study entails the efforts required for the transition of
existing chiller sector to low-carbon scenario and adoption of environment friendly refrigerants
aligning with India Cooling Action Plan over the next two decades.

Keywords: Space cooling, Chillers, Refrigerants, Next-generation refrigerants, GWP refrigerant

Indian Chiller Sector: Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 1

INTRODUCTION

According to World Metrological Organization1, 2010-2019 was the warmest decade

on record, and 2019 was the second warmest year on record after 2016. Facing the
challenges of heat, air conditioning has gradually emerged a necessity from being
a luxury for a range of applications requiring space cooling over the past few years.
In fact, world economies are seeing air conditioning as the integral part of economic development.

Air conditioning, relying heavily on refrigerant-based technologies, are becoming a cause of

environmental degradation because refrigerants have ozone depleting potential and global
warming potential. India is one of the Asian countries that had a comparatively higher CAGR in
space cooling equipment sales in the last decade. Fuelled by rapid growth of cooling equipment,
India’s peak electricity demand is expected to increase by 45% by 2050 from the baseline scenario
of 10% in 20162.

1
WMO confirms 2019 as second hottest year on record. Details available at https://public.wmo.int/en/media/press-release/
wmo-confirms-2019-second-hottest-year-record.
2
International Energy Agency - The future of cooling. Details available at https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-cooling

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 2

The accelerated growth of cooling equipment step to reduce carbon emissions across India’s
and burden on grid would result in significant cooling sectors. Details of ICAP are explicated
increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. in the later part of the paper. ICAP recognizes
The proportionate use of refrigerants chiller as one of important equipment feeding
having high ozone depleting potential and large space cooling loads and expected
global warming potential (GWP) would to grow in future thus requiring immediate
also significantly contribute to the overall attention. Unlike Room Air Conditioner, chillers
environmental degradation without any come with about 25-year lifetime; hence early
corrective measures. actions will ensure smooth adoption of low
India aligned itself well with Montreal Protocol GWP refrigerants as well as lower life cycle
through (HPMP) Phase Out Management climate performance. One way to minimize
Plan and further gave scope of leap frogging chiller’s direct, indirect, and embodied GHG
to low GWP options aligning with Kigali emissions generated over its lifetime is to adopt
Amendments. Followed by phasing out of higher energy efficiency in chillers alongside
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), India completely integrating the environment-friendly low GWP
phased out ‘HCFC141b refrigerant’ by 1 January refrigerants.
2020. However, similar proactive steps under Considering the climate impacts of chillers,
the regime of Kigali Amendment would be a this report describes the current refrigerant
challenge due to discrete actions by cooling trends, key challenges, opportunities, and
industry, policymakers, and other stakeholders. possible interventions for India’s chiller sector
Cognizant of this, India rolled out its India preparing to adopt environment-friendly low-
Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) in March 2019 in a GWP refrigerants.

Indian Chiller Sector: Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 3

BACKGROUND

In 1902, Willis Carrier laid the foundation of

the modern air conditioning by creating an
air conditioning system that countered the
problem of water vapours at a Brooklyn-
based printing plant. Subsequent cooling
technology interventions paved the
way for air conditioning to enter into the Later, HCFC refrigerants joined the fleet in
home cooling needs during 1929 when 1992 with the phasing out timeline being
Frigidaire developed a home compatible 2030 for developed countries and 2040
cooling system. The increased need for developing countries, respectively.
for cooling fueled the excessive use of During that time, Hydrofluorocarbons
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydro- (HFCs) were being used as an alternative
chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) refrigerants refrigerants to HCFCs based on their lower
over the last 70–80 years. In the 1980s, ODP. Following the Kigali Amendment to
CFCs proved to be the key substance Montreal Protocol enforced during 2019,
that depleted the ozone layer. Thus
countries were directed to phase-down
Vienna convention led by United Nations
HFCs by controlling their production and
Environment Programme (UNEP) and the
consumption. India falls in the third group
subsequent Montreal Protocol brought
the world economies together to protect of countries3 (developing countries such as
the depleting ozone layer. The Montreal India, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia) that have
Protocol is considered to be the most to phase out HFCs by 2028 and reduce it
successful environmental treaty that to 15% of 2024–26 levels till 2047. Kigali
helped in phasing out ozone-depleting Amendment has an influence on India’s
substances. whole cooling sector as HFCs are widely
The Protocol established the time used compounds in air conditioning.
guide for phasing out substances that Taking this cue, the Indian chiller industry,
deplete ozone layer. Initially, chemicals over the years, has shifted from HCFC
with higher ozone depleting potentials, refrigerants to HFC refrigerants yet the
including CFCs and halons, were being goal to alternative low GWP refrigerants
targetted for an aggressive phase-out. require sizeable efforts.

3
First group consists of developed countries, e.g. the USA, the UK and the EU whose obligations to phase out HFCs
began in 2019; they have to bring it down to 15% of 2012 levels by 2036. The second group consists of countries such as
China, Brazil as well as some African countries that will start phasing down by 2024 and reduce it to 20% of 2021 levels by 2045.

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 4

Approach and to obtain quantitative data. The primary

interactions were undertaken with
Methodology defined stakeholders with the objective
The approach and methodology adopted of understanding the current market
for developing this discussion paper scenario and trends. The information
included primary and secondary research. that was sought from the stakeholders
Primary research was conducted through included technologies, refrigerants, and
consultation with stakeholders comprising barriers.
chiller manufactures, architects, HVAC
practitioners/consultants, policy makers, Secondary research
and building users/developers. Secondary
The secondary research was conducted
research included conducting desk review
through literature review, including industry
of peer-reviewed journals, publications
reports, research papers and databases.
and scholarly articles pertaining to chillers
in the global and Indian market. The details
of the methodology is as follows: Methodology adopted
A market-based evaluation of chillers
Primary research was carried out that focused on primary-
data collection, different market scenarios
Primary research for the project was pertaining to chillers and application sectors.
conducted in two stages. In the first stage, The global and Indian refrigerant market in the
interviews were conducted to obtain context of chillers was analysed. In the next
qualitative data from the industry. These phase, technical performance of chillers with
interviews were followed by a second different refrigerants was analysed. Finally,
stage where semi-structured interviews technology, market barriers, and opportunities
with industry experts were conducted were evaluated.

Indian Chiller Sector: Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 5

1.1 Space Cooling:

Air Conditioning In India

Globally4, space cooling

Packaged Air conditioning Air conditioning in India
accounted for nearly 8.5%
(equivalent to about 1 GtCO2 Window & Portables
emission) of total electricity Large packaged and precision control
consumption in 2019. India Splits system:
would be consuming more than Single and Multi -splits - un-ducted; ducted;
50% of global energy for space cooling only or heat pump; VRF
cooling by 2050.
India’s space cooling is a mix Central Plant Air conditioing
of refrigerant-based and non-
refrigerant-based cooling Chillers
technologies with the former Airside products
surpassing the later in terms Air handling units and fan coils other
of superior heat handling terminal units
capabilities. Like global cooling
market, refrigerant-based requirements, the commonly employed
cooling technologies have a bigger share of
refrigerant-based cooling technology options
vapour compression systems as compared to
in India can be divided between packaged air
vapour absorption systems due to attractive
conditioning and central plant air conditioning.
techno-commercial benefits. As compared
to vapour compression chillers that use India’s residential cooling demand is mostly
compressor, vapour absorption chillers use the covered by non-ducted split- (wall mounted)
collection of waste heat from other processes and window- (through the wall) type packaged
or equipment to drive a thermodynamic air conditioning and has a penetration of
process that allows water to be chilled and 7–9%. In the room air conditioner segment,
distributed for cooling. Air conditioning the popular cooling products are split air
manufacturers and RAMA estimated that the conditioners, window air conditioners followed
vapour compression refrigeration systems by cassette, ducted and tower air conditioners.
in India hold approximately 90% share. Portable window air conditioners are still an
Depending on application usage and cooling unattractive segment as past attempts by

4
OECD/IEA, The Future of Cooling Opportunities for energy-efficient air conditioning Together Secure Sustainable,” p. 92,
2018. Details available at https://www.iea.org/reports/cooling

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 6

a few air conditioner suppliers have been coils is low. Chillers in India are primarily used
unsuccessful. County’s central plant-based air to handle high cooling loads; however, they
conditioning demand is mostly fed by chillers; lack penetration as compared to room air
however, growth of airside products and fan conditioners (Figure 1).

2%
2037-38 5%
5%
88%

3%
2027-28 4%
6%
87% Packaged DX
Year

VRF system
4%
2022-23 4% Chiller system
7%
85% Room AC

7%
2017-18 4%
8%
81%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

% share

Figure 1: Refrigerant- based equipment stock

Source: India Cooling Action Plan - 2019

1.2 Factors Influencing Architect of

India’s Chiller Sector
In India, currently a diverse nature of factors greenhouse gases. India falls under group 2 of
guides the architecture of the chiller sector. Article 5 countries and thus has a global push
Some factors target refrigerants whereas others to phase down HFCs across applications. The
target chiller equipment and consumers. The Indian chiller industry is required to align itself
key factors affecting directly or indirectly the with national commitments by reducing HFC
refrigerant-based cooling sector are as follows: consumptions.

Kigali Amendment to the Montreal India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP):

Protocol: The amendment came into force The Ministry of Environment, Forest and
on 1 January 2019 with the intent to reduce Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of
HFC consumptions around the globe and India launched a holistic plan titled the ‘India
avoid global warming by up to 0.5°C. This Cooling Action Plan’ to strategize its 20 years’
could be done by reducing the production action plan aiming to reduce its cooling
and consumption of HFCs as they are potent demand, refrigerant demand and cooling

Indian Chiller Sector: Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 7

energy requirements. The plan covers chillers as

one of the sectors to achieve the targets. Main ICAP goals:
 Reduction of cooling demand across sectors by 20%
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to 25% by year 2037–38
and Clearance: Introduced in year 2006 by  Reduction of refrigerant demand by 25% to 30% by
Government of India’s Ministry of Environment year 2037–38
Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the  Reduction of cooling energy requirements by 25% to
policy aims to ensure incorporation of necessary 40% by year 2037–38
environmental safeguards at planning stage
in the project cycle to ensure minimal impact
on different components of environment. This stakeholders to support developing the standards
is a mandatory regime governing all buildings for cooling equipment. ISHRAE, in consultation
covering the projects with built-up area above with Indian chiller industry and Bureau of Indian
20,000 sq. m. Standards, has developed the Indian standard for
Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC): water cooled vapour absorption chillers.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Government of Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS): This is the
India, has laid down the energy performance national body developing the standards, marking,
requirements for cooling equipment in the quality certifications of cooling equipment.
Energy Conservation Building Code. The Through its institutional framework, the body
code accommodates the minimum efficiency ensures to place quality and reliability of cooling
requirements under BEE Standards and Labelling equipment. BIS introduced the chiller standard
Programme for chillers in commercial buildings. specific to Indian conditions. BIS has rolled out
Standards and Labelling Programme (S&L): Indian Standard IS 16590: 2017 for water-cooled
Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Government of India, VCR chillers. BIS has a range of Indian standards
has specified the grades of energy efficiency applicable to mechanical refrigeration.
of refrigerant-based cooling equipment on the Other frameworks: Indian Green Building
scale of Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio Council (IGBC) and Green Rating for Integrated
(ISEER) factor vis-a-vis different capacities of Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) are the two other
these equipment. The programme provides the credit-linked frameworks governing India’s
energy-efficiency labelling framework for cooling building sector to award performance grades
equipment suppliers in India and a choice to as per their own institutional frameworks. IGBC
Indian customers to higher efficiency product has Energy Efficiency Credits for buildings using
available in the market. eco-friendly refrigerants in the facility, thereby
Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and minimizing the impact on the ozone layer. GRIHA
Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE): The also specifies that chillers should comply with
ISHRAE is an eminent body working with cooling Energy Conservation Building Codes.

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 8

CHILLERS – KEY CONSTITUENT TO

INDIA’S SPACE COOLING
COOLING
EXPANSION
TOWER
Principally evolved from the first invention TANK

of carrier, chillers are favourite mechanical CHILLED

WATER PUMP
cooling solutions in hotels, hospitals,
retail, data centres, airports, and other CONDENSER
WATER LOOP
similar applications. Vapour compression CHILLER
chiller works with compressors whereas
absorption chillers use high temperature
heat energy to drive the cooling cycle,
for use in commercial and industrial CHILLED
facilities. In India, vapour compression WATER LOOP COOLING
LOAD
chillers are air-cooled or water-cooled
types that are based on the medium used
for heat rejection from the condenser to Source: Daikin-Chiller Applicaon Guide
the ambient. Air-cooled chillers use air Figure 2: Water cooled chiller system
to cool the condenser whereas water- Source: Deakin-Chiller Application Guide

cooled chillers use water to dissipate

heat to atmosphere through a cooling that were available during the 1980s. Their
tower. Figure 2 shows a schematic layout of a efficiency levels have been continuously
single-loop water-cooled chiller that produces improving with the use of variable speed drives,
chilled water for space cooling. The major DC compressors, oil free technology, falling
components of the system are a water-cooled film and flooded evaporators, high-efficiency
chiller, a cooling tower, and air handling units heat transfer tubes, DC fan-motor combination
for conditioning indoor air. fans, refrigerants, etc.
In the course of evolution, chiller equipment Due to their higher cooling capacities, chillers
has seen numerous design changes due to still remain one of the major power consuming
different operating conditions, refrigerant equipment. ICAP highlights that if the electricity
usage, and technological advancement in the consumption of chillers escalates to 65 TWh in
components. Current chiller systems are highly 2037–38 from 12.15 TWh in 2017–18, then it will
efficient in comparison to their counterparts result in more GHG emission.5

5
India Cooling Action Plan - http://ozonecell.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/INDIA-COOLING-ACTION-PLAN-e-
circulation-version080319.pdf

Indian Chiller Sector: Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 9

2.1 Market Players,

Capacities, and Size
Driven primarily by infrastructural chiller market in the country. The chillers
development, the total market size of are classified on the basis of type of
chillers stood around 1 million tonne compressor technology used.
of refrigeration (TR) per year in 20176.
In addition, the food processing,
Major Blue Star; Carrier, Daikin,
pharmaceutical, data centres, electronics, market Johnson Controls Inc, Kirloskar,
precision machining, plastic and printing players Trane, Thermax and Voltas;
industries are fueling the growth of

Scroll • Driven by scroll compressors, these chillers are used in both air and
water coolers. In India, these chillers come with a range less than 150
Chiller tonne of refrigeraon.

• Driven by screw compressors, these chillers are used in both air- and
Screw water-cooled and great fit for small to medium cooling loads. In India,
Chiller the typical capacity range is between 50 and 500 tonne of refrigeraon.

• Driven by centrifugal compressors to handle medium to large cooling

Centrifugal loads, these chillers are mostly used as water cooled. In India, the typical
capacity range vary from 300 to 2500 tonne of refrigeraon. These are
Chiller
compact in design and provide high cooling capacity.

Reciproca ng • Comes both as air-cooled and water-cooled reciprocang chillers.

Chillers These chillers have acutely limited use in the Indian market.

Globally, screw chillers have significant market million TR, out of which 0.1 million TR market is
share as compared to other technologies. In of scroll chillers with capacities less than 100
2017, this share was more than 35%7. There is TR, 0.6 million TR market is of screw chillers
also a slow emerging market for multipurpose
with capacities ranging between 60 and 500
chillers for application requiring heating and
cooling simultaneously. As per RAMA and other TR, and 0.4 million TR market is of centrifugal
manufacturers, the current total annual market chillers with capacities in the range of 400 to
(Figure 3) of VCR chillers in India is around 1.1 3000 TR.

6
Details available at https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1546137
7
Details available at https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1546137

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 10

Chiller cooling capacity in million TR

2.2 Market Dynamics 0.1

The findings of this section are primarily

0.4
based on the consultations done with industry Scroll Chiller (< 100 TR)
players, consultants, consumers, etc. The
Screw Chiller (60-500 TR)
driving force behind the innovation in Indian
chiller market is national energy conservation Centrifugal Chiller (400-3000 TR)
0.6
regulations, policies, and demand from
customers. However, factors such as ‘Kigali
Amendment and ICAP’, controlling the usage Figure 3: VCR chiller market in India
of high GWP refrigerant usage and ‘HVAC /
energy conservation consultant’ in market are
Component
also creating demand for chiller technologies Market
with environment friendly refrigerants. (Compressor,
Refrigerant
Choosing a chiller: Chillers in India are Condensors,
Pumps and
offered both as customized and as complete others)
packaged solutions. The selection of a chiller Chiller
system is generally decided on the basis of Suppliers, Demand users,
Traders, Chiller buildings, process
required cooling capacity, desired coolant
HVAC industries etc.
temperature, type of condenser (air- or water- consultants
cooled), energy efficiency (Energy Efficiency
Ratio (EER) and Integrated Part Load Value Framework
(IPLV), and installation environment (indoor Standards,
Policies &
or outdoor installations). The capacity tonnes Regulaons
of refrigeration of a typical chiller takes
into account the annual/daily cooling load
profile with minimum and maximum daily/ Figure 4: Chiller’s market influencers
monthly cooling load and fluctuations. For
compliant solution to the customer. The overall
the performance of chiller systems, the
life cycle cost, comprising initial investment
performance curves for chillers and pump
and operational expenditure of the chiller
are used by the designer to achieve optimum
system, is of utmost priority and considered
performance. For packaged systems, the chiller
for different applications except it is demanded
manufacturer facilitates customers to select a
combination of compressor, condenser, and by the end customer. HVAC consultants are
cooler, based on the requirement of efficiency contractors providing turnkey solutions mainly
and tonnage as well as location that is climate for commercial buildings.
dependent.
The type of chiller and operating temperature
The manufacturer also considers other of fluid depends on the type of space cooling
additional parameters such as COP, NPLV, required in buildings and process cooling
energy efficiency, footprint noise, corrosive requirements required for industries such as
resistance, etc. to provide a national standard plastic, medical, brewery, laser, dairy, food

Indian Chiller Sector: Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 11

processing. For commercial air-conditioning in

buildings, HVAC consultants play a major role
in deciding the type of chiller to be used for a
particular facility.

ECBC requires that performance computations

in buildings are done according to ASHRAE
90.1 standard and tested as per AHRI 550/560
standards. BEE’s star labelling programme
provides the level-playing platforms for
Indian chiller industry by specifying the
energy performance standards. BIS has
introduced Indian Standard 16590 to enable
chiller suppliers to design chiller systems in
compliance with Indian operating conditions
under various modes of applications.

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 12

PROGRESSION OF
REFRIGERANTS

Globally, before the 1970s, the refrigerants

used were toxic, such as ammonia and
methyl chloride. Later on safer refrigerants
based on their specific properties and
feasibilities and to a large extent on the type
of application’s requirement, including
CFCs, R22, R502, were used. The biggest
driver in this movement was Montreal
Protocol as it regulated the use of ozone-
depleting substances across the globe.
The refrigerants evolved largely based on
their ODP and GWP values. ODP (Wuebbles
et al., 1983) of a given compound is the
count of its effectiveness in removing
ozone relative to CFC-11 whereas GWP
evaluates the energy absorption of 1 tonne findings laid the foundations for global-
of emitted gas as a factor of emissions and regional-level co-operations in
of 1 tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2), over regulating the use of ozone-depleting and
a certain period, usually 100 years. These high GWP refrigerants.

3rd Genraon 4th Genraon

1st Genraon 2nd Genraon R134a, R152a, HFCs, HFOs like
Ether, CO2, R12, R22, NH3, R32, R410A, HFC-1234ze,
NH3, CCl4 - H2O and other R407C,R123, HCFO-1233zd,
Mainly CFCs Hydro Carbons other HCFCs HC-1270, HFC-
& HFCs 1336mzz

Indian Chiller Sector: Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 13

3.1 Refrigerant Movement in

Indian Chillers
The Montreal Protocol in 1987 directed
countries to phase out the then widely Scroll Screw Centrifugal
used CFC refrigerants, thus enabling chillers Chillers Chillers
a complete phase out in developed
countries by 1996 and in developing Typical Life Typical Life Typical Life
countries by 20108 and switching to the span of span of span of
systems: 15 to systems: 20 to systems: 25 to
next-generation HCFCs refrigerants that
20 Years 25 Years 30 Years
minimized ozone depletion.
Followed by the Montreal Protocol, India Majorly used
Majorly used Majorly used
introduced Ozone Depleting Substances Refrigerants:
Refrigerants: Refrigerants:
Rules 2000 under Environmental R-22, R410A,
R134a R134a, R123
R-407 C
Protection Act 1986, which enabled the
phase out of CFCs almost 17 months
ahead of the target year of 2010. Refrigerants used in Indian chillers

Further, Ozone Depleting Substances

Amendment Rules 2014 directs the phase 100 years), R410A (GWP of 2088 for 100 years),
out of HCFC refrigerants in RAC products by and R407A (GWP of 2107 for 100 years). The
1 January 2025. movement of low GWP refrigerants has been
Current refrigerant movement mostly spans very slow in India with the market presence
R134a (GWP of 1360 for 100 years), an HFC of R1234ze, R1233zd, R513A, R514A and R515B
refrigerant used in centrifugal and screw being acutely lean. The commercial viability of
chillers. Use of R123 (GWP of 79 for 100 years) is low GWP refrigerants still needs to be explored
very limited in water cooled centrifugal chillers in terms of component availability, competitive
and R123 would be phased out in the country by cost, safety, serviceability, sustainability, and
2025 as per the Ozone Depleting Substances other market-linked factors. The alternative
(Regulation and Control) Amendment low-GWP refrigerants and their characteristics
Rules, 2014. In scroll chillers, the commonly are given in Table 1.
used refrigerants are R22 (GWP of 1810 for

8
Refrigerants: Market Trends and Supply Chain Assessment Chuck Booten, Scott Nicholson, Margaret Mann National
Renewable Energy Laboratory Omar Abdelaziz Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Details available at https://www.nrel.gov/
docs/fy20osti/70207.pdf.

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 14

Table 1: Alternative refrigerants and its characteristics

Refrigerant Characteristic GWP

This low GWP refrigerant is a medium pressure hydrofluoroolefin

with an A2L safety classification. It is highly compatible with
majority of materials. Interestingly, it is non-flammable below
HFO 1234ze 30°C, so it falls in the PED category 2 (non-flammable fluids) in <1
the EU. R-1234ze is only suitable for new screw and centrifugal
chiller designs as it is has lower capacity than R134a. Flammability
for handling and storage is almost negligible.

R1233zd is a low GWP liquid halogenated olefin with an A1 safety

classification. Its boiling point is 18.3°C. Centrifugal chillers may
HCFO
attain a same energy efficiency using this refrigerant in place of 1
1233zd
R123. It has higher capacity and its operating pressure is higher
than R-123, so it is only suitable for new designs.

A low GWP propylene refrigerant with flammable, non-toxic and

good thermodynamic properties. The substance is an alternative
HC 1270 to R22 in low- and medium-temperature refrigeration and air- 2
conditioning applications. This requires specific charging and
recovery methods due to its flammable nature.

A very low toxic, non-flammable hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant

blend alternative to R134a in medium and high temperature
R513A 631
refrigeration and chiller applications. The refrigerant falls under A1
safety classification.

A low GWP HFO blend with ASHRAE’s B1 toxicity classification.

Developed as an alternative to R-123 in low pressure centrifugal
chillers for commercial and industrial applications. It is a non-
R514A 2
flammable refrigerant suitable for systems and retrofits, which
offers an optimal balance of properties, better energy efficiency,
and environmental sustainability.

R1336mzz A HFO with A1 safety classification, it has high critical temperature

9
(Z) and is conducive to high condensing temperatures.

In terms of transition to low-GWP market adoption of next-generation low-

refrigerant, both refrigerant and chiller GWP refrigerants in chiller and component
industries are at different stages and the manufacturers is asymmetric.

Indian Chiller Sector: Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 15

3.2 Selection Criteria of

Refrigerants in Chillers
According to ASHRAE terminology, considered by a chiller supplier when
refrigerant is the fluid used for the transfer selecting the refrigerant, unless there is
of heat in a refrigerating system. It absorbs a specific requirement by a customer
heat at low temperature and low pressure or any regulatory obligation (if exists) to
of the fluid and rejects heat at a higher use environment friendly refrigerants.
temperature and higher pressure of the Considering the case of buildings, the cost
fluid and usually involves changes in the of the refrigerant is a categorical (it may
phase of the fluid. Refrigerants come with depend on customer’s will or supplier’s
different thermodynamics, physical and push) consideration as the initial cost of
chemical, that play a key role in obtaining the refrigerant may be less than 5% of the
desired system output (i.e. refrigerating total cost of chiller, which is approximately
effect) and input (i.e. electrical power 4 to 5% of the total cost of building.
consumption). To provide the desired level
of cooling output, the compressor (another
key energy consumer of a chiller
system) combines the refrigerant
and regulates its circulation in the MECHANICAL
CHARATERISTICS:
chiller system. Aiming at commercial
Low boiling & freezing
feasibility, the chiller manufacturer point; low liquid specific heat;
mostly chooses the tried and tested high vapour specific heat; high
latent heat; High crical pressure
options of refrigerants available in and temperature to avoid large
the market. In India’s chiller sector, power requirements; low
specific volume; high thermal
commercially matured refrigerants conducvity;
are preferred due to their reliability,
easy of availability, performance with
highly varied ambient temperatures,
serviceability, compressor guarantee SAFETY CHARACTERISTICS: ENVIRONMENTAL &
for selected refrigerant, and non-flammable; non-explosive; PERFORMANCE CHARACTRISTICS:
non-toxic; non-corrosive; high COP in combinaon with
compatibility with other components high miscibility with the system; easily available and,
in the market. lubricang oil Low cost, Low GWP.

Series of consultations conducted

with industry stakeholders and users
revealed that the global warming
potential is a low priority factor Figure 5: Broad categorization of refrigerant’s selection criteria

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 16

PRIORITIES OF FACTORS FOR SELECTING REFRIGERANTS IN CHILLERS

Availability of compatible components 

5
Comparatively better life cycle cost of chiller 
5
Safety characteristics 
5

Robust supply chain of low GWP refrigerant
4

GWP of refrigerant
2

The Indian chiller market is primarily influenced by Regarding the customized chiller solutions,
the HVAC contractors and chiller manufacturers; component industry (compressors, heat
however, when it comes to new systems, exchangers, etc.) players follow different low-
the primary responsibility of the selection of GWP refrigerants owing to different control
refrigerant lies with the chiller manufacturers and pressure levels across applications. Upon
who strongly prefer to modify the design of further retrospection of the chiller industry,
the chiller to obtain the best performance. there is hardly any consensus amongst local
They discourage change in the refrigerant in component manufacturers on a common
the existing (unmodified) chiller system fearing refrigerant to be followed in a finished chiller
‘unanticipated’ performance of the system. product.

3.3 Barriers: Adopting Low

GWP Refrigerants in Chillers
On the road to embrace low-GWP there are several challenges (technical,
refrigerant chillers, it is judicious if capacity and awareness; behavioural;
the barriers are analysed strategically. and policy) that impede the uptake of
Under this research work, the barriers low-GWP refrigerants in the Indian Chiller
are the outcomes secondary literature market. During the course of the study,
and rationalized through consultations lack of awareness at technological front,
with various relevant stakeholders economic viability and the need for
including policymakers, associations, capacity building were argued repeatedly
consultants, technology providers at as prime reasons for low penetration of
pan-India level. From literature review low-GWP refrigerants in the Indian market.
and stakeholder consultations, based on Exemplifications of each of these barriers
survey questionnaire, we inferred that are as follows:

Indian Chiller Sector: Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 17

Risks pertaining to supply and availability: Lower readiness of chiller component

Experts from HVAC and chiller industry opine market: Identical to other vapour
that new low-GWP refrigerants (such as HFO compressions systems, chiller is also a highly
1234ze, HCFO 1233zd, HFO1336mzz) should engineered equipment in which various
be sufficiently available in the Indian market electro-mechanical components such as heat
for easy, timely, and cost friendly replacements exchangers and valves are assembled together.
during longer period of use. Lean local supply
The currently available chiller components
chain, no clarity on refrigerant alternatives,
in the Indian market are designed for optimal
dependence on imports infused with heavy
performance with control, pressure levels,
taxes and duties lead to loss of confidence
and other parameters in accordance with
amongst market players to adopt low-GWP
commercially matured refrigerants such as
refrigerants. The chiller industry prefers that
R123 and R134a. If these components are simply
the refrigerant matures as a technology so that
any “next change” in a short span of time can used with any other low-GWP refrigerant, it may
be avoided. While globally there are enough compromise the performance of the packaged
suppliers of HFOs, very few Indian companies (finished product) chiller system. This emerges
manufacture HFOs. For example, Honeywell is challenging in terms of local production and
the only prominent supplier of HFO 1234ze in just transition within the associated sectors of
India. the low-GWP refrigerant chillers.

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 18

Reliance of chiller industry on compressor Challenges of affordability: The current

manufacturers: Compressor is one of the Indian market is less inclined to expand to a
foundational components of a chiller system. new set of refrigerants because of affordability
It circulates refrigerant in combination issues from the buyers end. For example,
with lubrication through the chiller system. adoption of HFOs, which are 4 to 5 times costlier
In India, most of the chiller suppliers are than currently used HFCs, mostly depends
majorly dependent on imports for low-GWP on the specific requirements of customers.
refrigerant-based compressors. The guarantee Chiller manufacturers generally opt for HFC-
commitments offered by the compressor based chillers offering similar or slightly lower
supplier are passed on by chiller supplier efficiency of overall system as compared to an
to end consumers. To offer vendible chiller equivalent HFO refrigerant-based chiller.
packages to customers, chiller suppliers rely on
compressor systems tried and tested with new Inadequate proficiency of service
low-GWP refrigerants. technicians and contractors: Refrigerant
industry, chiller industry, and consumers
Complexity with installed chiller systems (contractors, installers, HVAC consultants)
at customer’s end: The installed chillers were in India are the key pillars for sustainable
designed for specific conditions and refrigerants penetration of low-GWP refrigerants in chillers.
applicable around the time of installations. At On the low-GWP refrigerants side, existing
this time when Kigali Amendment specifies contractors and service technicians are hardly
reduction in the consumption of HFCs, equipped with the knowledge of handling new
India’s efforts to adopt next line of low-GWP low GWP refrigerant-based chillers as a result
refrigerants in chillers will also encompass the of lack of appropriate training and capacity
existing systems. When considering retrofitting building.
of these existing systems, it is required that Feeble financial support: Both customers
unexpected future troubleshooting problems and chiller manufacturers looking forward to
be avoided. Due to additional investments for adopt new low-GWP refrigerants in chillers
retrofits, the customer hesitates in replacing are not getting adequate financial support in
these refrigerants in installed systems with low- India. Manufacturers with their own efforts and
GWP refrigerants ultimately leading to slower funding develop low-GWP refrigerant-based
adoption of low-GWP refrigerants. chillers. Johnson Controls Inc. in India has
installed a few chiller systems with HFO 1233zd
refrigerant.

Indian Chiller Sector: Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 19

OPPORTUNITY LEVERS TO ADOPT

LOW-GWP REFRIGERANTS IN
INDIAN CHILLERS

The ICAP estimates that India’s cooling demand (around 9670 million square meters by 2030).
(tonne of refrigeration) is expected to grow Chillers are a mammoth cooling equipment
around 3.1 times in 2027 over the baseline, feeding bulk cooling loads thus share an
under the BAU scenario. It is also imperative embracing opportunity in reducing the rising
that India’s future cooling demand will greatly cooling demand. The opportunities for low
depend on the increase in urban infrastructure GWP chillers may be ensured through:

4.1 Investment in Sector wise break -up of investment 2020- 2025

Infrastructure 35%

30%
The growth of low-GWP refrigerant-based 25%
chillers substantially depends on the growth
20%
of HVAC systems. As the Indian economy
expands, India would face a new era of space 15%
cooling needs.9 A total of INR 57 lakh crore were 10%
invested in infrastructure from 2013 to 2019
5%
with the major focus being on power, urban,
0%
digital, and railways sub-sectors. The power
s

re
ts

ra

g
gy

rs
ay

sin
ba

sector was mainly funded by the government,

or

he
nf

tu
er

ilw

Ur
rp

es
lI

uc

Ot
En

ta
Ai
Ra

oc
r
st

with little funding from private sector. As per

g i

Pr
ra
Di

nf

od
il i

the report of the Task Force by Government of

ur Fo
ra

ct &
st

ru e
e
du

India, a total of INR 111 lakh crore would cover

st tur
In

fra ul
In ric

sectors such as energy, airports, urban and

Ag

railways from 2020–25. Figure 6: Infrastructure capital expenditure of INR 111

lakh crore during fiscals 2020- 2025

9
Report of the Task Force Department of Economic Affairs Ministry of Finance Government of India. Details available at
https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Report%20of%20the%20Task%20Force%20National%20Infrastructure%20Pipeline%20
%28NIP%29%20-%20volume-i_1.pdf

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 20

The Indian HVAC market is growing at 9.16% is embarking on a huge potential for cold
CAGR10. Further, a red carpet treatment is chain to process perishable produce13. A
expected for industrial chillers in the plastic report on “Global Cold Storage Capacity
industry, pharmaceutical formulation, Report11” mentioned that India is one
food and beverage processing, paper and of the countries with largest cold store
cement processing, processes producing capacity in the world. With more future
milk, meat, fruits and vegetables. Being an infrastructural investments, there lies an
agricultural economy, the Indian economy opportunity for low-GWP chillers.

4.2 Energy-efficiency
Framework
Adoption of new low-GWP refrigerants in and regulations. Government-led policy
chillers will be synchronous with the pace interventions regulating energy efficiency
of optimization of chiller equipment as well (BEE) of the chiller systems as well as
as its components. With international and environment friendly low GWP refrigerant
national policies pushing climate-friendly adoption (ICAP) provide opportunity to
and energy-efficient cooling, there would chiller suppliers to adopt higher efficiency
be an increase in the demand of energy- levels integrating low-GWP refrigerants in
efficient chillers with low-GWP refrigerants. chillers. BEE has recently developed star
Global experiments have led toefficiency ratings for chillers taking the reference
improvements in chillers’ integrating of BIS standard for chillers (Table 2). The
refrigerants of different characteristics; ratings are grades of Indian Seasonal
however, these experiments are at the level Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) tested
of manufacturers and limited to specific under standard testing conditions. BIS
designs and operating and environmental introduced Indian Standard IS 16590:
conditions. In India, penetration of low- 2017 for chiller as per Indian operating
GWP chillers is primarily linked with policies conditions.

10
Details available at https://acrex.in/uploads/Indian_HVAC_R_Scenario.pdf
11
Details available at https://www.gcca.org/sites/default/files/2018%20GCCA%20Cold%20Storage%20Capacity%20Report%20
final.pdf

Indian Chiller Sector: Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 21

Table 2: Minimum Energy Efficiency Requirements for Water & Air Cooled Chillers

Star rating levels for water cooled chillers

kW of cooling 1 star 2 star 3 star 4 star 5 star

<260 4.8 5.2 5.6 6.1 6.6

>=260 & <530 5 5.6 6.2 6.8 7.4

>= 530 & <1050 5.5 6.1 6.7 7.4 8.2

>=1050 & <1580 5.8 6.5 7.2 7.9 8.7

>=1580 6 6.7 7.4 8.2 9

Star rating levels for air cooled chillers

kW of cooling 1 star 2 star 3 star 4 star 5 star

<260 3 3.3 3.6 4 4.4

>=260 3.1 3.5 3.9 4.3 4.7

The efficiency levels prove to be the pull factors chiller and further technology advancements
since the total owning cost plays an important cascades minimal power consumption and
role in the Indian chiller market. averts its associated greenhouse gases
Global manufacturers have progressed in this emissions. The manufacturer claimed that
direction by adopting low-GWP refrigerants the replacement of HFO1233zd(E) resulted
in chillers. The results show improvements in in 3% improvement with COP in 20 USRT (US
the efficiency of low-GWP refrigerant-based Refrigeration Ton chiller) for chilled water
chillers yet it is hard to establish a direct temperature 12°C in/7°C out.
linkage between refrigerant transition and To understand industry practices, the data
improvement in efficiency of chiller system. of star-labelled chillers was also studied.
For example, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Currently, very few chillers in the market are
(MHI) improvised its centrifugal chiller using BEE star labelled and none of these chillers
HFO-1233zd(E) as the refrigerant to avoid direct use low-GWP refrigerants. However, there
greenhouse gase emissions associated with are quite a few Indian chiller manufacturers
refrigerant usage. HFO1233zd(E) was adopted who have commissioned low-GWP chillers
as a substitute to HFC134a. It has a volume of in India. Jonhson Controls Inc has installed
refrigerant gas which is about five times as large chillers with R1233zd(E) and Kirloskar Chillers
as that of the conventionally used refrigerant is using R1234ze(E) refrigerant in its new line
HFC-134a. The improved aerodynamic design of chillers manufactured in India. There is a
with downsized compressors and heat high probability that high energy- efficiency
exchangers results in compact design of the chillers with low-GWP refrigerants would lead

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 22

to large- scale penetration

ICAP Target (2037-2038)
of such chillers in the Indian
market. Though the star-
All Indian chillers
labelling programme does not adopt BEE’s energy
cover the complete market of efficiency rangs
chillers in the country, it does
cover the major share (VCR Reducon in cooling energy demand
chillers).12
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%
The programme will bring
more than 4000 GWh by 2030 by 2031-38
saving potential with 3.5
Figure 7: Benefits of mixing low-GWP refrigerants with efficiency
million tonne CO2 reduction
in year 2030. Considering a transition in the chiller sector even though
conservative achievement of ICAP target the Kigali timeline offers enough flexibility
(25% instead of 40%), Figure 7 shows to India. Moreover, the current star rating
that complying with BEE’s star-labelling programme is only a push for chiller’s
programme and accommodating low- efficiency but does not specifically include
GWP refrigerants will facilitate India’s early low-GWP refrigerants.

4.3 Energy-efficiency
Framework
Buildings are key consumers of chillers in India The rating system excludes small HVAC units
and National frameworks affecting building with less than 0.25 kg of refrigerant.
frameworks such as Energy Conservation Further, Energy Conservation Building Codes
Buidling Codess in country are deriving the specifies minimum energy performance
energy efficiency in country’s buildings. The standards for chiller systems on the parameters
Indian Green Building Council’s rating system ‘COP – Coefficient of Performance measuring
for Green Service Buildings offers an additional efficiency of chillers at 100% load’ and ‘IPLV
1 point for a new building that uses zero GWP – Integrated Part Load Value’ measuring
refrigerant in the building’s HVAC equipment.

12
CLASP. Details available at http://indiaatcop24.org/images/presentation/10dec-Session1/1-Enhancing-Energy-Efficiency-in-
Space-Cooling-Sector-through-Standard-and-labeling-Program.pdf

Indian Chiller Sector: Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 23

efficiency of chillers as a weighted average of providing an overwhelming opportunity for

full load and part load COP at fixed entering energy efficiency in space cooling. However,
and leaving water condition in the evaporator they lack any credits for low-GWP refrigerant
but different condensing temperatures. ECBC, systems.
ECBC Plus, Super ECBC are building codes

4.4 District Cooling

Initiatives
Grounds are gradually building in India to India are DLF Cyber city Gurugram- Haryana
adopt new initiatives such as district cooling (Tri-generation District Cooling with cooling
which eye on providing more access to demand of 78,000 refrigeration tonnes),
cooling with comparatively lower impact Amaravati Government Complex- Andhra
on heat island effect and noise levels. This Pradesh (the total cooling capacity is 20,000
would bring better municipal infrastructure TR).
in districts ensuring reliable and robust It is estimated that approximately 51 million
cooling access. tonne of refrigeration of the national space
With threefold increase in building area by cooling demand could theoretically connect
2037, replacing individual room air conditioners to district cooling system. If served by district
with a comprehensive district cooling system cooling, it would reduce the need for up to 22
would lead to significant reduction in energy GW of power capacity along with 27 million
requirements as well as CO2 emissions. Chillers tonne of annual CO2 emission reduction13.
are also seen as the provider of affordable Globally, low-GWP refrigerants are in use for
cooling in terms of district cooling initiatives district cooling systems, with HFO-1234ze,
in the country. Benefits such as reduced HCFO-1233zd or HFO-based refrigerant R-514A.
CO2 emissions, power demand for cooling, Considering India’s climate commitments and
lower cost of cooling to end-users are paving tropical conditions, district cooling demand
the way for district cooling in India. Already in India provides an opportunity for low-GWP
initiated, the district cooling systems in refrigerant-based chillers in India.

13
Uniindia. Details available at http://www.uniindia.com/news/east/energy-eesl-report/2345745.html

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 24

4.5 Financing Mechanisms

Low-GWP-based energy-efficient chillers for Energy Efficiency” component of USD 37
systems require high investments and return million and technical assistance component
risks; thus, financing such projects is the need of USD 6 million. The facility has a coverage
of the hour. Financial instruments in the form of minimum INR 1,000,000 and maximum INR
of equity investments, loans or guarantees 150,000,000 for a guarantee tenure of 5 years
or other risk-sharing instruments may fulfil or loan tenure whichever is lower, for eligible
this requirement. Energy service companies sectors such as buildings, MSMEs, and large
(ESCOs), offering guaranteed savings against industries (except power plants).
energy-efficiency technologies/services, are Apart from this, market-based tradeable
the game changers in this context. In India, mechanism like India’s Perform, Achieve and
partial risk sharing facility for energy efficiency Trade (PAT) may provide a platform for low-
is a risk-sharing mechanism that provides a GWP refrigerant chillers. PAT sets the specific
unique investment support for energy-efficient energy consumption targets for different
projects. The facility especially works parallel to industries (termed as designated consumers)
the energy service performance contracting under identified industry sectors, viz. Thermal
offered ESCOs. The facility is supported by Power Plant, Power, Petrochemicals and others.
International Bank for Reconstruction and The trading of energy savings is facilitated
Development and the Clean Technology Fund through ESCerts (energy savings certificates)
(CTF). It supports the loans granted by various equivalent to 1 tonne of oil equivalent (toe) of
Participating Financial Institutions and by energy savings. These mechanisms can be
Small Industries Development Bank of India as utilized by process industries reaping energy
lender.14 The project has a total outlay of USD 43 efficiency as well as environmental benefits.
million consisting of “Partial Risk Sharing Facility

14
Details available at http://prsf.sidbi.in/

Indian Chiller Sector: Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 25

CASE STUDY 1

India Trade Promotional agency in the execution of this prestigious

appointment.
Organization (ITPO),
New Delhi The shift towards low GWP footprint
Project site: India Trade Promotional In the initial stages of the design process, the
Organization (ITPO), New Delhi technology provider team convinced HVAC
About Project Site: India Trade Promotional consultant and customers for using new HFO’s
Organization (ITPO) is an iconic and prestigious inline to the Kigali Agreement of the Montreal
edifice hosting large national and international Protocol and its intended goal of alleviating
exhibitions and conventions in New Delhi, India. the GHG emissions associated with refrigerant
usages. Environmentally friendly HFO
Area: 150 acres
refrigerants, or Hydrofluro-Olefins, are a new
Exhibition space: More than 6, 25, 000 square class of refrigerants that have a much lessened
metres Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to
the current HFC based refrigerants commonly
With the recent technology developments, used in major applications. Recognizing
many facilities in India have started in piloting the importance of environmental aspect of
the low-GWP refrigerants (HFOs) in their utility cooling, NBCC included HFO based refrigerant
operations. With its minimal GWP potential, the as the part of the technical specification in the
HFO based refrigerants leaves scanty carbon project tender.
footprints and also complements for better
HVAC systems efficiency. A successful case For this prestigious project, Trane has
study of HFO based refrigerant chiller system successfully evolved the cooling system
is presented below with the environmental integrating HFO. The offered chillers with
benefits. multistage compressor design, are designed
to meet various applications and has helped
Background customers to achieve operational savings
while lowering their environmental footprints,
Pragati Maidan located in the heart of the
without compromising safety, reliability and
national capital, is currently under renovation
performance.
to transform it into a world class Integrated
Exhibition- cum-Convention Centre (IECC). Powered by three Series E™ CenTraVac™ large-
Contributing to its world class infrastructure capacity (1,650TR) chillers with R1233zd (E)
construction design, a high efficiency heating, along with five CenTraVac (825TR) capacity
ventilation and air conditioning HVAC) system chillers with R514a refrigerant, the Trane system
at state-of-the-art has been deployed by maintains ambient temperatures at or around
Trane systems. National Building Construction 25°C. The CenTraVacTM centrifugal chiller has
Code (NBCC) is the designated implementing the lowest total refrigerant emissions rate in the

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

 26

industry. Ensuring user comfort controls with Cooling system – basic specifications: Total
easy-to-navigate touch screens and displays, capacity of the system: 94,75TR comprising:
it allows facility maintenance engineers to • 3# 1,650 TR Centrifugal Chillers with
monitor the equipment and make adjustments
HFO1233zd (E)
as necessary. The offered CenTraVac series is
part of EcoWise portfolio of products designed • 5# 825 TR Centrifugal Chillers with
to lower environmental impact with next- HFO514A
generation, low-GWP refrigerants and high- • 2# 200 TR Screw Chillers with R134a
efficiency operation – consistent with climate
commitment to introduce products that reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.

Comparison of R514A / R1233zd (E) and R134a chillers:

Parameters R514A / R1233zd (E) R134a
Ozone Depletion Potential- (ODP) 0 0
Global Warming Potential (GWP) 2 1,430
Energy efficiency 13.5% over next competitor Baseline
Low leakage rate <0.5% per year estimated 2% per year
Short atmospheric lifetime 26 days 14 years
Phase down date N.A. 2028~2047 for India

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CASE STUDY 215

Waitrose Commercial using 30% propylene glycol and 35° C air
on temperature, split equally between two
Refrigeration machines. The new system used reciprocating
There are significant experiment-based compressors.
evidences available to showcase the benefits New system: The new chiller systems used non-
of transition of low-GWP refrigerants in toxic, mildly flammable HFO1234ze refrigerant
chillers yet these benefits are the outcomes of with a low- level GWP of 6 as compared to
specially optimized chillers (including integral HFCs in general. With an oversized (by around
components) for certain applications. 6%) evaporators as compared to R134a, the
On the front of low-GWP refrigerant chillers, refrigerant lines required re-sizing in the gas
these types of systems are under operations phase when using HFO1234ze. Spare parts
in India but the owners could not reveal the for the system are available. A 22% reduction
complete details of these facilities due to in energy consumption was identified when
commercial conflicts. However, one of the comparing the new system with a same-size
below-mentioned international case studies of store in Canterbury (in south-east England)
HFO Chillers installation reveals the benefits of running identical systems using R290
switching to low-GWP refrigerant. (propane). It was also found that there was a
loss of capacity of around 24% compared with
Project site: Waitrose, Bromley South, Bromley,
R134a across various application conditions.
Kent, United Kingdom
Besides loss of capacity, the new system was
Refrigerant transition: The project site is a able to improvise the overall COP than R134a
British supermarket chain having 2,170 square by absorbing almost 27% less mean power.
meter store area for groceries and food. The
Cost and economy: At the time of
original chiller plant of the store was built in
installation, the capital cost of the new
1996 and uses R404A - an high-GWP HFC
system was approximately 10% more than
refrigerant. As an effort to move away from HFC
a propane equivalent. However, the lower
refrigeration systems, the store installed two
cost could be achieved with increasing
180 kW air-cooled HFO chillers each with two
the production. There was no additional
compressors to deliver chilled water. The total
maintenance cost observed when
cooling capacity of the chillers was 360 kW
comparing with hydrocarbon systems.
with 21° C/15° C secondary fluid temperatures

Note: The accuracy of the content and figures is the responsibility of the companies.

15
The reference of this case study is from the compilation of case studies published as ‘Low-GWP Alternatives in Commercial
Refrigeration: Propane, CO2 and HFO Case Studies’– by the United Nations Environment Programme.

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WAY FORWARD
 Government policies: In India, the may put efforts to promote low-GWP
adoption of low-GWP refrigerant refrigerant chillers through country-
in chillers largely depends on local wide awareness campaigns and by
demand driven by government-led setting phase-out targets for high-GWP
policies. Country-specific standards refrigerants for chillers.
(BIS/BEE) available for the design  Upscale financial mechanisms: Due
of chillers as per Indian climatic to higher cost of new systems and
conditions and India’s endorsement to lesser demand, penetration of new
Kigali Amendment currently used HFC technologies is always time consuming,
refrigerants, presents a great future for especially in the context of developing
next-generation refrigerant transition in countries. Initially, financial instruments
chillers. However, these standards and can act as financial support to address
timelines capture the performance and the objectives of market-linked
HFC usage respectively. It is also a fact proliferation of low-GWP refrigerant
that after HFCs, low GWP refrigerants chillers. Existing financial mechanisms,
are the future of the chiller sector. such as PRSF, takes in to account the
Taking the existing references and energy efficiency and lacks any direct
synching HFC usage timelines, new environmental benefits accruing
regulation may be developed covering through projects adopting low-GWP
chiller industry to adopt low-GWP refrigerant chillers. In this case too,
refrigerants in a phased manner across efficiency compliments important
different capacity ranges, applications, transition of low-GWP refrigerant
etc. This phase-wise movement can chillers. Through joint efforts of different
help the industry to build resources and ministries, environmental benefits can
gradually move to low-GWP options. be integrated in existing financing
 To address the combined effect of measures or a dedicated financing
performance and environment, existing instrument to the tune of Partial Risk
standards and ratings for chillers may Security Fund can be developed that
be revisited to integrate their climate would bring a greater endorsement to
performance. This demand and, in technology advancements.
turn, interest in chiller industry may be  Synergized industry actions: Chiller
increased by help of various factors suppliers are heavily dependent on
such as identified ministries in India

Indian Chiller Sector: Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

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compressor and other component Technology Transfer (FITT), research

industry in offering guarantee institutions as well as industries may
and service commitments to end be strengthened to build in-house
consumers, which contribute to the capacity.
overall cost of equipment. Due to  Facilitating industry to market their
unattractive local demand of new efforts: At present R134a, a higher
low-GWP refrigerant-based chillers, GWP refrigerant, is the widely-used
presently no manufacturer in India refrigerant in the Indian chiller industry.
makes low-GWP refrigerant-based Very few Indian chiller suppliers are
compressors of any category (screw, adopting low-GWP refrigerants in
scroll and centrifugal) and is dependent chillers. Marketing the efforts of such
on imports that generally use refrigerant suppliers may help bring awareness
trends of their countries. The Indian about running practices towards low-
chiller component industry using GWP refrigerant chillers. There are a
different refrigerants brings ambiguity number of platforms available to market
in the final selection of refrigerant for the best practices of industries, namely
a chiller system. Thus, a synergism Global Cooling Prize, National Energy
between chillers and component Conservation Awards by Bureau of
industry’s actions would bring a Energy Efficiency. Where global cooling
smooth implementation of low-GWP prize includes ‘prize money’ to winners,
refrigerants in chillers. National Energy Conservation Awards
 Technology transfer: The Indian chiller recognizes the efforts of industries,
industry’s dependence on imported establishments, and organizations for
components threatens the delayed energy efficiency and conservation by
adoption of low-GWP refrigerants and them. These kinds of awards may be
a casual approach to ‘Make in India’ leveraged to develop interest in the
like initiatives. Technology transfer market.
should be on the top priority for the  Advancing awareness instruments
commercial proliferation of new and training: Lack of awareness
technologies and to do so involving on environmental, safety and other
MSMEs would create a bigger database associated benefits of low-GWP
towards self-reliance. Reviewing refrigerant chillers contribute to the
multilateral fund under Montreal demand aggregation gap. Printed
Protocol that supports developing information in the form of market-based
countries, utilizing international climate environmental labelling, covering
platforms such as Climate Technology different climatic requirements of India,
Centre and Network (CTCN), public should be introduced to enable buyers
funded research institutions in India to identify the benefits of low-GWP
such as Centre for Scientific and refrigerants-based chillers. Current
Industrial Consultancy (CSIC), Industrial labelling (Star Labelling for chillers) is
Research & Consultancy Centre limited to energy efficiency of chillers
(IRCC), Foundation for Innovation and

Indian Chiller Sector : Towards Low GWP Refrigerant Transition

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and does not speak specifically on low-GWP refrigerants in chillers requires

low-GWP refrigerants. Further, target specific set of servicing skills owing to
consumer groups may be identified to different mechanical characteristics.
train them on low-GWP refrigerants and India’s service technician sector
their climate benefits. comprises both organized and
 Resource capacity building: The unorganized sectors. The government
present service technicians have the of India through MoEFCC and National
know-how of currently used HFC and Skill Development Corporation has
HCFC (old installed systems) refrigerants facilitated training courses for these
in chillers. Similarly, contractors service technicians. Leveraging existing
installing such systems are better tuned trainings specifically for low-GWP
to HFC and HCFC refrigerant-based chillers, would ready the local resources
chillers. Integration of next-generation for low-GWP refrigerant-based chillers.

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