Types and properties of refrigerants in shipping containers
Welcome to the most detailed article on the Czech internet that analyzes the technical, environmental and legislative aspects of refrigerants used in shipping containers (reefer containers). This article is intended for everyone who not only wants to understand the basic concepts, but also to grasp the trends, advantages, disadvantages and future of refrigerants in maritime logistics. Each concept is elaborated in depth, including comparison tables, concrete examples from practice and behind-the-scenes information.
Key terms and technologies
Refrigerant
Definition:
A refrigerant is a chemical substance or mixture that transfers heat in a closed circuit of a cooling system thanks to physical phase changes (boiling, condensation). In container logistics, the refrigerant must meet several essential requirements:
| Requirement | Detailed explanation | Why it is important in containers |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling/condensation temperature range | Must allow efficient cooling in the range -30 °C to +30 °C | Ensures transport of everything from bananas to vaccines |
| Chemical/thermal stability | Resistance to decomposition and reaction with metals, seals, oils | Minimizes system failures, extends equipment service life |
| Safety | Ideally A1 (non-flammable, non-toxic), some HFOs have class A2L (slightly flammable) | Influences transport permissions, insurance and system design |
| Environmental profile | Low GWP (global warming potential), zero ODP (ozone depletion) | Necessary due to regulations and ESG requirements |
Modern trend:
Manufacturers such as Maersk Container Industry or Thermo King are developing “multi‑refrigerant ready” systems that can be easily adapted to different types of refrigerants according to legislation and customer needs.
Cooling systems in containers
Operating principle:
The cooling system consists of four basic components:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Compressor | Compresses gaseous refrigerant, increases its pressure and temperature |
| Condenser | The refrigerant releases heat to the surroundings, changing into liquid |
| Expansion valve | Abruptly reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, part of it evaporates and cools down |
| Evaporator | The refrigerant absorbs heat from the cargo space, changes to gas, thereby cooling the cargo |
Advanced technologies:
- Intelligent control (e.g. Thermo King Magnum PLUS, Daikin LXE): software optimizes performance, minimizes consumption, detects leaks and prevents failures.
- Remote monitoring (IoT, GSM, GPS): enables online monitoring of temperature and condition of the cooling circuit, alarms on deviations, predictive maintenance.
Refrigerated container (reefer container)
Key properties:
- Insulation: Polyurethane foam, vacuum panels – minimization of thermal losses.
- Refrigeration unit: Built into the front wall – ensures temperature stability throughout the space.
- Operating range: Standardly -30 °C to +30 °C, special designs down to -65 °C (e.g. with CO₂).
- Use: Food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, flowers, electronics, biotechnology.
- Remote monitoring: Sensors, telematics, real-time alarms in case of deviations.
Real-world example:
The latest Star Cool and Carrier PrimeLINE units support multiple types of refrigerants (e.g. R134a, R513A, R1234yf), which significantly increases operator flexibility when legislation changes.
Primary vs. secondary refrigerants
| Type of refrigerant | Description | Typical use in containers |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Circulates directly in the circuit, changes phase | Yes (virtually always) |
| Secondary | Transfers cold further, cooled by primary medium | Rarely (special solutions) |
Key environmental and performance metrics
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
- Definition: How many times more heat it traps in the atmosphere than CO₂ (CO₂ = 1).
- Comparison of selected refrigerants:
| Refrigerant | GWP (100 years) | Legislative status after 2025 in the EU |
|---|---|---|
| R134a | 1430 | Ban in new systems |
| R404A | 3922 | Ban in new systems |
| R452A | 2140 | Transitional use, pressure to phase down |
| R513A | 631 | Permitted, transitional solution |
| R1234yf | 4 | Long-term solution, requires system modifications |
| CO₂ (R744) | 1 | Ideal, technical challenges |
- Regulation: From 1 January 2025 in the EU, it is prohibited to place on the market new autonomous cooling units with refrigerant GWP ≥ 150!
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
- Definition: ODP of CFC-11 = 1. All modern refrigerants (HFC, HFO, CO₂) have ODP = 0.
- History: CFCs and HCFCs (e.g. R12, R22) are banned worldwide. HFCs, HFOs and CO₂ fully comply.
Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI)
- TEWI = direct emissions (refrigerant leaks × GWP) + indirect emissions (CO₂ emissions from electricity generation)
- Why it matters: Even a system with a refrigerant with higher GWP can be environmentally comparable if it has excellent energy efficiency and minimal leaks.
- Practical impact: When evaluating projects (e.g. in tenders, when obtaining BREEAM, LEED certifications), TEWI is a decisive metric.
Classification and detailed description of refrigerant types
Historical refrigerants (banned or being phased out)
| Type | Designation | Properties, disadvantages | Status in 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFC | R-12 | High GWP, high ODP | Banned worldwide |
| HCFC | R-22 | Lower ODP than CFCs, still high GWP | Phase-out, ban in the EU |
HFC (Hydrofluorocarbons) – transitional generation
| Refrigerant | Typical use | GWP | Temperature range | Advantage | Disadvantage | Status 2025+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R134a | Standard container cooling | 1430 | -25 to +25 °C | Proven, reliable | High GWP | Phase-down, ban in new systems |
| R404A | Freezing applications | 3922 | -30 to +35 °C | Performance, wide use | Extremely high GWP | Ban in new systems |
Modern blends – transitional solution
| Refrigerant | Replacement for | GWP | Advantages | Range of use | Technical note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R513A | R134a | 631 | Similar properties to R134a, 50% lower GWP | Standard cooling | Retrofit-ready |
| R452A | R404A | 2140 | Reduction of GWP compared to R404A, similar operating properties | Freezing applications | Transitional solution |
New generation – HFO (hydrofluoroolefins)
| Refrigerant | GWP | ODP | Safety class | Advantages | Disadvantages / Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1234yf | < 1 | 0 | A2L (slightly flammable) | Ultra-low GWP, rapid breakdown in the atmosphere | Requires system modifications (sensors, ventilation), slightly lower performance |
Practical recommendation:
“Triple refrigerant ready” units (e.g. Star Cool 1.1) allow transitions between R134a, R513A and R1234yf according to current legislation and availability.
Natural refrigerants – long-term solutions
| Refrigerant | GWP | ODP | Advantages | Disadvantages / Challenges | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CO₂ (R744) | 1 | 0 | Non-flammable, non-toxic, cheap, available | Extremely high pressures (up to 100 bar), higher investment costs, lower efficiency in tropics | Deep freezing, vaccines, future trend |
Comparison table of key refrigerants
| Refrigerant | Type | GWP | ODP | Safety class | Typical use | Status after 2025 EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R134a | HFC | 1430 | 0 | A1 | Standard cooling | Phase-down, will be banned |
| R513A | HFC/HFO blend | 631 | 0 | A1 | Replacement for R134a | Transitional solution, permitted |
| R452A | HFC/HFO blend | 2140 | 0 | A1 | Freezing applications | Transitional, pressure to phase down |
| R1234yf | HFO | <1 | 0 | A2L | Future standard | Long-term solution, requires modifications |
| CO₂ (R744) | Natural | 1 | 0 | A1 | Deep freezing | Ideal for the future, demanding systems |
Legislation, regulations and trends
Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment
- Montreal Protocol (1987): Phase-out of ozone-depleting substances (CFCs, HCFCs).
- Kigali Amendment (2016): Reduction of production and consumption of high-GWP HFC refrigerants – global trend.
EU F‑gas Regulation (517/2014 and revision)
- Ban on placing on the market new cooling units with refrigerant GWP ≥ 150 from 2025
- Quota system: Gradual reduction of the amount of HFC gases available on the market = price increase and pressure towards alternatives.
- Outlook: Complete end of HFCs by 2050.
Industry trends
- Ultra-low GWP: Shift to HFOs and natural refrigerants (CO₂).
- System flexibility: Manufacturers prepare “multi‑refrigerant ready” equipment.
- Digitalization: Advanced monitoring to minimize leaks, optimize consumption and enable predictive service.
- Economics: High HFC prices, availability of new refrigerants and rapid investment cycles for larger fleets.
Practical advice and real examples
- Choice of refrigerant influences not only operating costs, but also the possibility of legal transport, insurance, cargo value and environmental reputation of the company.
- When investing in a new refrigerated container, it is crucial to verify whether the equipment is compatible with multiple types of refrigerants.
- CO₂ systems are still more expensive, but in the long term they will represent the main trend, especially for pharmaceuticals and sensitive commodities.
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