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Honeywell and Midea Team Up to Validate New Applications for Air Conditioner Refrigerant

July 13, 2019

Honeywell recently announced a strategic partnership with Midea Group, a leading Chinese home appliance maker, to replace R-410A with Solstice® N41 (R-466A)  in HVAC applications, including variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and chiller systems. R-466A is a nonflammable and lower global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerant for stationary air conditioning systems.

“We’ve partnered with the best-of-the-best in our industry to validate the performance of Solstice N41 as a breakthrough solution,” said Chris LaPietra, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Stationary Refrigerants. “We are helping to solve for safety, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability with this solution, which offers a GWP that is 65 percent lower than R-410A. Key partnerships like the one we have with Midea help ensure it is ready for broad industry adoption later this year.”

Once commercially available in late 2019, Solstice N41 will be the first A1* (nonflammable), reduced GWP R-410A replacement offered for stationary air conditioning systems. All other reduced-GWP alternatives proposed to date as R-410A replacements are flammable, increasing risk.

“As the first nonflammable refrigerant replacement for R-410A, Solstice N41 is a promising option to ensure our products are compliant with environmental regulations in target markets,” said Mingli Tian, general manager, Central Air-Conditioning Division of Midea Group. “This cooperation will help us enter the new future with a sustainable and safe offering for end users.”

When it comes to safety, Solstice N41 significantly reduces the need for additional design and eliminates the need to incorporate the sensors and valves typically required for minimizing flammability risk. Early results also indicate this nonflammable, reduced global warming alternative to R-410A will eliminate the need for specialized contractor training for flammability mitigation — a big advantage for the industry as it struggles to recruit and retain certified contractors.

Honeywell is a world leader in the development, manufacture and supply of refrigerants sold globally under the Solstice® and Genetron® brand names for a range of applications, including refrigeration, building and automobile air conditioning. Honeywell and its suppliers have completed a $900 million investment program in R&D and new capacity based on Honeywell’s hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) technology.

Midea is a technology group specializing in consumer electric appliances, HVAC systems, robots and automation systems as well as smart supply chain (logistics), providing a diverse range of products. It operates about 200 subsidiaries, over 60 overseas branches and 12 strategic business units worldwide.

About Honeywell

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology company that delivers industry specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help everything from aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable.  For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

*Preliminary designation for ASHRAE