The refrigeration systems are currently being manufactured at the company’s headquarters in Sundern (Sauerland). They are designed for use in hydrogen infrastructure and are intended to condition the hydrogen in accordance with applicable standards. The systems cool the gas in two stages – first to +10 °C, then to -10 °C.
Each of the six systems has multiple refrigeration circuits equipped with speed-controlled compressors. This allows the output to be flexibly adjusted to demand – down to as little as 10 percent of the rated capacity. “This requirement is typical for refrigeration systems in hydrogen infrastructure,” says Julian Reiter, Sales Engineer for Special Refrigeration Systems at L&R.
Natural refrigerants with a GWP of less than 5
Only natural refrigerants with a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 5 are used. In the first cooling stage, propane (R290) is used, and in the second stage, propylene (R1270). Both refrigerants are PFAS-free and are considered legally secure in the long term under the F-gas regulation.
L&R also points to potential subsidies from the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (Bafa), which can be applied for when using systems with natural refrigerants. The manufacturer sees low-temperature hydrogen cooling as a growing market. “We got involved in this field at an early stage and, for example, equipped hydrogen refueling stations with deep-freeze technology,” says André Rüßmann, Chief Technology Officer at L&R.
