Danfoss showcased advanced, low-GWP direct expansion (DX) ammonia refrigeration systems as a safe and reliable technology during a presentation at ATMOsphere America 2015, held June 25-26 in Atlanta.

The fourth annual conference gathered more than 300 industry leaders to discuss current and future natural refrigerant market trends and related technology innovations and regulatory issues in North America.

According to Danfoss, ammonia offers excellent heat transfer characteristics.

“Ammonia is a proven refrigerant, with some of the best heat transfer characteristics of all refrigerants,” said Terry Chapp, national business development manager at Danfoss, during his presentation.

Ammonia is a natural refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and zero global warming potential (GWP), though it is toxic and can be flammable. However, it’s also inexpensive and plentiful, making these systems an attractive option for industrial refrigeration system designs.

“Fortunately, a number of emerging technologies in various stages of development are targeting the reduction of refrigerant charge at either the component or system level,” Chapp said. “In fact, advanced DX ammonia systems allow industrial refrigeration systems as large as 1,800 TR with a system ammonia charge under 10,000 pounds. These systems have the potential to eliminate a significant portion of the regulatory and liability burden that accompanies large-charge systems.”

 More information and a success story related to the DX ammonia systems can be found on the Danfoss website.