R-290 Refrigeration

What is R-290 refrigerant?

R-290 is high purity propane gas used for commercial refrigeration and air conditioning applications. It is highly energy efficient and has a low environmental impact compared to HFC refrigerants. It is a hydrocarbon refrigerant with outstanding thermodynamic properties and falls under the category of natural refrigerants. There are many reasons to consider using it for new stores or remodels:

• R-290 is a highly refined propane gas of at least 99.5% purity, used specifically for refrigeration application

• Has a small global warming potential (GWP) of 3; HFC refrigerants have average GWP ratings greater than 1,300

• Has an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero, making it an environmentally friendly option for the ozone layer

• Is used in hermetically sealed systems

• Meets updated regulatory compliance standards including the AIM Act

• Systems are suitable for a wide variety of applications

R-290 Solutions

Hussmann offers a variety of R-290 solutions, in both air-cooled and water-cooled applications.

Monoblocks by Krack (Air and Water-Cooled)

Ideal solution for walk-in coolers, beer caves, or cold storage. Available in both air-cooled & water-cooled designs, as well as multiple BTU capacities, there is a Monoblock configuration for any application.

Self-Contained (Air-Cooled)

Hussmann’s Self-Contained product portfolio consists of air-cooled self-contained merchandisers that utilize R-290 refrigerant.

Air-Cooled cases are ideal for unmatched simplicity and flexibility. Often available with casters, these cases require only plug-in power to operate, allowing for spot merchandising & impulse-buy items.

Benefits of Self-Contained merchandisers:

• Faster installation: “Plug & Play” cases are factory-charged, tested and programmed
• Flexible merchandising: self-contained and quick-connection cases are easily moved to accommodate planogram changes
• Ambient Performance: Self-Contained cases can perform under NSF Type 2 higher ambient conditions

MicroDS (Water-Cooled)

MicroDS merchandisers are R-290 self-contained cases - built on the Insight Multideck and Impact Reach-in product platforms - that reject heat through a simple closed water-loop system and fluid cooler.

Water-Cooled full-sized merchandisers for grocery applications: these cases are ideal for remodels and retrofits, migrating from traditional refrigerants to low-GWP options. Water-glycol lines can be run prior to removal of existing cases, and fluid cooler/pump stand combo is placed outdoors, requiring little to no back-of-house floor space. Case installation then requires only plug-in and leveling, so overnight case replacements can be achieved with little to no retail disruption.

Benefits of MicroDS merchandisers:

• Faster installation: The system is factory-charged, tested and programmed. No refrigerant connections have to be made during installation, which further protects against leakage.

• Flexible merchandising: MicroDS cases are full-sized grocery merchandisers, with medium and low temperature options, and doored and open case types 

Frequently Asked Questions