ICM Controls, a leading US-based ISO-certified manufacturer of control boards found in many HVAC-R appliances, has teamed with Sensience (formerly known as Therm-O-Disc), an industry leader specializing in leak detection sensors, to ensure the safe usage of HVAC-R appliances.
The recently signed American Innovation & Manufacturing (AIM) Act has directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement an 85% phasedown of the production and consumption of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 2035 – because of its Global Warming Potential (GWP). AIM has forced HVAC-R appliance manufacturers to develop and migrate to new low-GWP refrigerants.
To replace HFCs, the industry has turned to next-generation refrigerants like ammonia and hydrocarbons like butane, which evaporate at room temperature. But unlike HFCs, these new refrigerants are flammable and more reactive, require compressors and plumbing to be more corrosion-resistant, and must be leak-proof to be safe.
In response to the widespread transition to flammable refrigerants, new safety regulations are being required for manufacturers of HVAC-R appliances to detect flammable refrigerant leaks and other mitigation measures to ensure safe operation in equipment and buildings.
This partnership offers OEMs an efficient and reliable resource for a solution in their development of Refrigerant Leak Detection Systems.
