The NASRC Releases New Food Retailer Survey Report
The North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC) has released its new “Food Retailer Survey Report,” which projects that there will be 10,000 CO2 (R744) refrigeration systems (transcritical and secondary) installed in the U.S. food retail sector by 2029. The NASRC surveyed 18 food retailers – a group made up of supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores – with more than 29,000 stores collectively.
The 10,000 CO2 refrigeration systems are for both new stores and retrofits, with the NASRC noting that transcritical CO2 is the dominant architecture for new stores but not in retrofits. Additional findings include a projection of 8,200 new CO2 condensing units installed by 2029, which retailers reportedly see as “add-ons” to extend a store’s refrigerant load. Notably, the Southeast is projected to be the dominant region for CO2 refrigeration (both transcritical and secondary systems) with 47% of the country’s total installations by 2029.
Johnson Controls Launches New Industrial Hydrocarbon Heat Pumps
Johnson Controls has announced the launch of its SabroeHitemHP line of high-temperature heat pumps (HTHP) for industrial applications. The heat pumps can reach a maximum outlet temperature of 107°C (224°F) with isobutane (R600a) refrigerant and 122°C (251°F) with butane (R600) refrigerant. The SabroeHitemHP line consists of 10 standard models with a heating capacity ranging from 100–1,000kW (28–284TR).
“Johnson Controls is delivering a breakthrough solution that can help critical industries and institutions secure their energy future, significantly cut operational costs and align with the ambitions of Europe’s Clean Industrial Deal, driving the competitive advantage of our customers in cutting-edge industries,” said Steve Bell, VP and GM, Industrial Refrigeration at Johnson Controls, in a press statement.
Mirai Intex to Present New Propane Turbo Compressor at Chillventa 2026
Mirai Intex has announced that it will present a new model of its propane (R290) turbo compressor at Chillventa 2026, which will be held October 13–15 in Nuremberg. The company showed its first propane turbo compressors, the MT230 and the MT350, at Chillventa 2024. Mirai Intex said its new model will “expand the existing product range and open up additional possibilities for integrating the technology into industrial refrigeration systems.” The MT230 and MT350 are targeted at air- and water-cooled chillers, with the former offering a nominal cooling capacity of 290kW (82TR) and the latter 350kW (99TR).
Sensata Launches R290 Pressure and Temperature Sensor for EVs
Sensata has launched a new pressure and temperature sensor designed specifically for EVs with mobile air-conditioning (MAC) systems using propane. The company noted that automakers are considering propane in MAC for its efficiency, and this interest in the flammable refrigerant is in turn “introducing new requirements for accurate sensing and leakage control.” At the moment no car currently offers a propane MAC system, although many suppliers are working on the technology and Ford has expressed interest in it.
“Our customers are navigating a fundamental shift in refrigerant technologies as they work to meet evolving environmental and performance requirements,” said Markus Schwabe, Executive VP and President of Automotive at Sensata Technologies, in a press statement. “Sensata’s R290 P+T sensor supports that transition by providing the accurate, reliable sensing needed to help OEMs adopt R290 refrigerant technologies with confidence.”
