Alternative Refrigerant Safety Research: Evaluation of A3 Equipment Response When Involved in Fires

INTRODUCTION Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are potent greenhouse gases often used as refrigerants in HVAC and refrigeration. HFCs have a global warming potential (GWP) that is hundreds to thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide. Ultra-low GWP alternatives to HFC refrigerants include both natural refrigerants, such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons (e.g., isobutane and propane), as well as synthetic refrigerants. Ultra-low-GWP refrigerants are currently being deployed in several sectors and applications already, most notably in refrigeration and mobile vehicle air conditioning. They are also used more widely in heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigerating (HVAC&R) applications internationally. Research is needed to enable the same ultra-low-GWP refrigerants in the United States. In 2024, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) convened a working group with industry stakeholders to chart a path towards updating codes and standards to allow for additional ultra-low-GWP refrigerants. The working group consisted of experts and representatives from the fire service, codes and standards bodies, HVAC&R manufacturers, non-governmental environmental organizations and government agencies, including US Climate Alliance state agencies like the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC or Department). Over the course of several months, the working group developed a comprehensive list of research topics that would inform the development of the codes and standards process to enable the safe use of ultra-low-GWP refrigerants in product segments with lower barriers to acceptance (e.g., indirect and small charge systems). Specifically, the working group identified the need to fully understand the risks posed by such equipment when they are involved in fires. With the passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA or Climate Act) and Title 6 of the New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations Part 494 “Hydrofluorocarbon Standards and Reporting” regulation, New York State is phasing down HFCs and transitioning towards more climate-friendly refrigerants. To aid in the transition, DEC will support work needed to update safety standards and codes for HVAC and refrigeration. THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) DEC seeks Proposals from qualified organizations to provide contract services to conduct a full risk assessment of A3 refrigerants, specifically for a project to evaluate how A3 equipment responds when involved in a fire. The primary objective of this project is to aid in the development of comprehensive guidelines for standards-setting organizations responsible for developing product and application safety standards and building codes for the safe use of refrigerants, including American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standing Standard Project Committee (SSPC) 15 and Subcommittee 15.2, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60335-2-40 Standard committees. This project will provide valuable information for the safe use of flammable refrigerants in the North American market. By providing this information, DEC can help ensure the transition to climate-friendly refrigerants and cooling equipment, reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions significantly, and achieve the Climate Act targets. Offerors shall adhere to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Guidelines Regarding Permissible Contacts During a Procurement and the Prohibition of Inappropriate Lobbying Influence. All correspondence and/or questions relating to this procurement should be directed to the Department’s primary contact. Business enterprises awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years: None Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) SDVOB Goal: 0.00%