PFAS- free heating and cooling solutions

AI Quick Summary

The project "PFAS- free heating and cooling solutions" is about transforming the heating and cooling industry with PFAS-free solutions for a sustainable future. The goal is to research, analyze, and promote PFAS-free heating and cooling solutions, with a particular focus on heat pumps. Problem Identification: Heating and cooling accounts for half of the global energy consumption, generating 40% of CO2 emissions. In 2021, the heat pumps met around 10 % of global heating needs. Accelerated use of heat pumps can reduce the global GHG by 0.5 giga tonne by 2030. However, unintended leaks of F-gas refrigerants (which are potent GHGs) can decrease their positive climate impacts. The use of F-gases poses the threat to offset part of the climate benefits of switching away from fossil fuels for heating. The report from IPCC 2022 states that the F-gases make up about 2.4 % of global GHG emissions. With the increased use of heat pumps, the emissions could go up rapidly (Report from IEA The Future of Heat Pumps (windows.net)). Many of the current heating and cooling solutions (e.g. heat pumps, chillers, mobile air conditioners) use hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants such as R134a or R32 and hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants such as R1234yf, R1234ze(E). The HFO refrigerants have a very low global warming impact when integrated over 100 yr. This is mainly due to their short lifetime which is within a couple of days to weeks for many HFOs. However, several studies have investigated the presence of short and ultra-short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in nature, which have been found in an alarming concentrations in drinking water. They are linked to contamination of groundwater, surface water, and soil, and cause serious health effects like cancer and liver damage. Data from 2010 -13 showed that there are 17’000 sites where PFAS contamination has been detected and the majority lie in Europe PFAS: How an EU chemical ban could hinder the energy transition (energymonitor.ai). Solution: The project aims to research, analyze, and promote PFAS-free heating and cooling solutions, with a particular focus on heat pumps. We will collaborate with industry experts, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies to achieve the following objectives: 1. Research and analysis:Through examination of the heat pump technologies available in the Swiss market and assess the risk of PFAS formation. And identify the current market penetration of heat pumps that are PFAS-free. 2. Alternative solutions:Identify, test, and evaluate alternative refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP) and no PFAS formation. Drawing inspiration from countries like Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand which have made significant progress in adopting natural refrigerants, we will determine the viable options. 3. Feasibility assessment:Assessing the feasibility of replacing PFAS-based heat pumps with the identified alternative solutions. The project aims to provide practical recommendations for a smooth transition to PFAS-free heat pumps based on technical compatibility, performance, safety, and cost implications. ObjectiveTo investigate the percentage of heat pumps sold in Switzerland that are free from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and identify the alternative nature-based solutions with both low GWP and PFAS free Benefits: A. Customer perspective (industries, buildings, governmental agencies, health care facilities, etc): Health and Safety: PFAS chemicals are known to have adverse effects on human health, including potential links to cancer, hormonal disruptions, and other health issues. By opting for PFAS-free solutions, customers can provide a safer environment for occupants and reduce health risks. Environmental Compliance: Many countries and regions are implementing stricter regulations regarding the use and disposal of PFAS chemicals and phase out of F-gas refrigerants. Choosing PFAS-free solutions helps customers comply with these regulations and avoid potential fines or legal issues. Reputation and Brand Image: Adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices can enhance a customer's reputation and brand image. Promoting the use of PFAS-free solutions demonstrates a commitment to health, safety, and responsible business practices. Long-Term Cost Savings: While PFAS-free solutions may have higher upfront costs, they can provide long-term cost savings. These solutions often focus on energy efficiency and can result in reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills over time. Market Differentiation: In industries where environmental concerns and sustainability are valued, offering PFAS-free heating and cooling solutions can differentiate a customer's products or services from competitors. This can attract environmentally conscious consumers and potentially lead to increased market share. B. Energy perspective: Reduced Refrigerant Emissions: Traditional heating and cooling systems may use refrigerants that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). PFAS-free solutions prioritize the use of low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants or natural refrigerants, which have significantly lower or no impact on global warming. By minimizing refrigerant emissions (by 1430 GWP when compared to R134a), these solutions contribute to the reduction of CO2 equivalents in the atmosphere . (ODP = ozone depletion potential, GWP = Global Warming Potential on a 100-year time basis) Energy Efficiency: PFAS-free heating and cooling systems typically have higher efficiency ratings, reducing energy consumption compared to conventional systems. By operating more efficiently, they help minimize energy waste and decrease the overall energy demand. Such a refrigerant system can achieve 10 -15 % higher energy efficiency than conventional systems (Environmental impact of HFO refrigerants & alternatives for the future (openaccessgovernment.org)). Lifecycle Considerations: PFAS-free solutions can be designed with a lifecycle perspective, considering the environmental impact at different stages, including manufacturing, installation, operation, and end-of-life. By optimizing these aspects and selecting materials with low environmental impact, the overall carbon footprint of the heating and cooling systems can be reduced. Manufacturing CO2 equivalent emissions: HFCs and HFOs have 4 to 11 times higher CO2 equivalent emissions respectively when compared to the manufacture of hydrocarbons, CO2, or ammonia (Environmental impact of HFO refrigerants & alternatives for the future (openaccessgovernment.org)). Renewable Energy Integration: PFAS-free heating and cooling solutions can be designed to integrate with renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal, or wind power. By utilizing clean and renewable energy, these systems further reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and decrease associated CO2 emissions.

Project Idea Metadata

• Project Idea Name: PFAS- free heating and cooling solutions
• Date: 7/31/2023 9:48:21 AM
• Administrators:
  • Kanchan Bohara

Project Idea Description

Problem Identification:

Heating and cooling accounts for half of the global energy consumption, generating 40% of CO₂ emissions. In 2021, the heat pumps met around 10 % of global heating needs. Accelerated use of heat pumps can reduce the global GHG by 0.5 giga tonne by 2030. However, unintended leaks of F-gas refrigerants (which are potent GHGs) can decrease their positive climate impacts. The use of F-gases poses the threat to offset part of the climate benefits of switching away from fossil fuels for heating. The report from IPCC 2022 states that the F-gases make up about 2.4 % of global GHG emissions. With the increased use of heat pumps, the emissions could go up rapidly (Report from IEA The Future of Heat Pumps (windows.net)).

Many of the current heating and cooling solutions (e.g. heat pumps, chillers, mobile air conditioners) use hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants such as R134a or R32 and hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants such as R1234yf, R1234ze(E). The HFO refrigerants have a very low global warming impact when integrated over 100 yr. This is mainly due to their short lifetime which is within a couple of days to weeks for many HFOs. However, several studies have investigated the presence of short and ultra-short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in nature, which have been found in an alarming concentrations in drinking water. They are linked to contamination of groundwater, surface water, and soil, and cause serious health effects like cancer and liver damage. Data from 2010 -13 showed that there are 17’000 sites where PFAS contamination has been detected and the majority lie in Europe PFAS: How an EU chemical ban could hinder the energy transition (energymonitor.ai).

Solution:

The project aims to research, analyze, and promote PFAS-free heating and cooling solutions, with a particular focus on heat pumps. We will collaborate with industry experts, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies to achieve the following objectives:

1. Research and analysis:

Through examination of the heat pump technologies available in the Swiss market and assess the risk of PFAS formation. And identify the current market penetration of heat pumps that are PFAS-free.

2. Alternative solutions:

Identify, test, and evaluate alternative refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP) and no PFAS formation. Drawing inspiration from countries like Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand which have made significant progress in adopting natural refrigerants, we will determine the viable options.

3. Feasibility assessment:

Assessing the feasibility of replacing PFAS-based heat pumps with the identified alternative solutions. The project aims to provide practical recommendations for a smooth transition to PFAS-free heat pumps based on technical compatibility, performance, safety, and cost implications.

Objective

• To investigate the percentage of heat pumps sold in Switzerland that are free from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and identify the alternative nature-based solutions with both low GWP and PFAS free

Benefits:

A. Customer perspective (industries, buildings, governmental agencies, health care facilities, etc):

• Health and Safety: PFAS chemicals are known to have adverse effects on human health, including potential links to cancer, hormonal disruptions, and other health issues. By opting for PFAS-free solutions, customers can provide a safer environment for occupants and reduce health risks.

• Environmental Compliance: Many countries and regions are implementing stricter regulations regarding the use and disposal of PFAS chemicals and phase out of F-gas refrigerants. Choosing PFAS-free solutions helps customers comply with these regulations and avoid potential fines or legal issues.

• Reputation and Brand Image: Adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices can enhance a customer's reputation and brand image. Promoting the use of PFAS-free solutions demonstrates a commitment to health, safety, and responsible business practices.

• Long-Term Cost Savings: While PFAS-free solutions may have higher upfront costs, they can provide long-term cost savings. These solutions often focus on energy efficiency and can result in reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills over time.

• Market Differentiation: In industries where environmental concerns and sustainability are valued, offering PFAS-free heating and cooling solutions can differentiate a customer's products or services from competitors. This can attract environmentally conscious consumers and potentially lead to increased market share.

B. Energy perspective:

• Reduced Refrigerant Emissions: Traditional heating and cooling systems may use refrigerants that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). PFAS-free solutions prioritize the use of low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants or natural refrigerants, which have significantly lower or no impact on global warming. By minimizing refrigerant emissions (by 1430 GWP when compared to R134a), these solutions contribute to the reduction of CO2 equivalents in the atmosphere . (ODP = ozone depletion potential, GWP = Global Warming Potential on a 100-year time basis)

• Energy Efficiency: PFAS-free heating and cooling systems typically have higher efficiency ratings, reducing energy consumption compared to conventional systems. By operating more efficiently, they help minimize energy waste and decrease the overall energy demand. Such a refrigerant system can achieve 10 -15 % higher energy efficiency than conventional systems (Environmental impact of HFO refrigerants & alternatives for the future (openaccessgovernment.org)).

• Lifecycle Considerations: PFAS-free solutions can be designed with a lifecycle perspective, considering the environmental impact at different stages, including manufacturing, installation, operation, and end-of-life. By optimizing these aspects and selecting materials with low environmental impact, the overall carbon footprint of the heating and cooling systems can be reduced.

• Manufacturing CO₂ equivalent emissions: HFCs and HFOs have 4 to 11 times higher CO₂ equivalent emissions respectively when compared to the manufacture of hydrocarbons, CO₂, or ammonia (Environmental impact of HFO refrigerants & alternatives for the future (openaccessgovernment.org)).

• Renewable Energy Integration: PFAS-free heating and cooling solutions can be designed to integrate with renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal, or wind power. By utilizing clean and renewable energy, these systems further reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and decrease associated CO₂ emissions.

The project "PFAS- free heating and cooling solutions" is about transforming the heating and cooling industry with PFAS-free solutions for a sustainable future. The goal is to research, analyze, and promote PFAS-free heating and cooling solutions, with a particular focus on heat pumps.