Fascinating Future

CO₂ climate control

CO₂ climate control – the perfect quantum leap

Innovative climate control technology with CO₂ sets new trends:

Within the framework of its “Fascinating Future” programme, Rittal has again reinforced its pioneering role in the field of climate control with sophisticated solutions based on CO₂. There is no doubt that Rittal's entry into the eco-friendly era with CO₂-based climate control solutions as an alternative to the refrigerant R134a represents a quantum leap forward. Initial prototypes are already available, and with the automotive industry poised to make the switch to CO₂ solutions, Rittal remains an undisputed climate control technology pioneer.

Why use CO₂ for climate control?

In 2002, the German Environment Ministry published a white paper proposing to ban all refrigerants based on halogenated CFCs (e.g. R134a, R404a, R407c, R410a), in keeping with Germany's commitment under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce its greenhouse gases by 21 %.

At present, CO₂ is considered one of the most promising refrigerants of the future.
CO₂ does not damage the ozone layer, and as a refrigerant can help to reduce the greenhouse effect.
The coolant is neither toxic nor flammable.
The first components are already available (compressors, valves).

Fighting the greenhouse effect with CO₂

Climate-damaging carbon dioxide being used for climate protection? This may sound paradoxical, but only so-called "technical CO₂" derived from natural sources or waste process gas is used as a refrigerant for components and equipment. If unused, this CO₂would have been released into the atmosphere anyway. As such, possible refrigerant emissions will not place any additional pressure on the climate.