COOLING | RESEARCH approximately 40.7Mmt(3) almost a 35% increase since 20144. Global action both short-term (for example, increasing deployment of current best technologies) and long-term (RD&D for advanced, higher-efficiency technology solutions) is urgently needed. Annex 53 was initiated in October 2018 to help address the long-term RD&D need. Its main objective is to share information to encourage the development of highefficiency and low-GWP AC, refrigeration, and heat pump technologies. The annex was led by the United States, with participation by R&D institutes in the Peoples Republic of China, Germany, Italy, and South Korea. Its report provides a summary of the current RD&D status of the leading technologies examined by each R&D institute. Technologies of interest follow two distinct paths: those based on the time-proven vapour compression (VC) cycle, electrochemical compression, absorption and adsorption (including compressor-assisted) systems; and others based on non-traditional cycles including magnetocaloric, elastocaloric, electrocaloric, and heat pipe-assisted caloric cycles that are being increasingly investigated. Technology-readiness levels for the investigated technology options ranged from approximately two to about eight by the end of the annex. VC systems could continue to be the system of choice, especially for the near future and, possibly, for the long term. To the extent, however, that VC-cycle systems continue to use refrigerants with non-zero GWPs even in small amounts they will remain vulnerable to further international refrigerant restrictions. Non-traditional technologies for example, caloric or other types generally are not subject to this challenge because they do not rely on refrigerants in the traditional sense. However, all the non-traditional technologies discussed will require additional development before they can affect the market significantly. CJ Annex 53 Advanced cooling/refrigeration technologies development was published in February 2024. The authors and cooperating agents are Reinhard Radermacher (Minta Martin professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland) and Van D Baxter (Building Equipment Research Group, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, retired) The report is available at: heatpumpingtechnologies.org/annex53 References: 1 Goetzler, W et al 2016. The future of air conditioning for buildings. DOE/EE-1394. Washington, DC: US Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, bit.ly/CJFutACDoE 2 University of Birmingham. 2015. Doing cold smarter. University of Birmingham Birmingham Energy Institute, bit.ly/3T8Zoty 3The Business Research Company. 2023. Cold chain global market report, bit.ly/3T37sfs 4Salin ,V. 2018. 2018 Global cold storage capacity report. International Institute of Refrigeration. BIM Objects Up to A+++ ErP rating * Monobloc air source heat pump. Highly efficient COP rating up to 4.85 14 - 70kW output Low global warming potential R32 refrigerant Inverter controlled compressor Cascade systems to achieve higher output SCAN ME Low carbon heating? Theres a Hamworthy for that. * 5 year warranty available if commissioned by Hamworthy. 2 year warranty as standard. 40 March 2024 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE March 2024 pp39-40 Annex 58 Refrigerants Report.indd 40 23/02/2024 13:55