Bitzer CO2 Training

30 Sep 2024

Last week saw members of the Space Pack Build team attend a two day training course at Bitzer UK.

The training focused on the theoretical and practical elements of R744 components, system design and handling on site.

Day 1 included a short introduction as to why R744 should be used as a refrigerant e.g. F-gas regs, green credentials and suitability for combining LT, MT, HT and heat pump applications into one design.  Safety aspects of CO2, how it affects the body and which safety measures can be taken to minimise risk to personnel.  Thermodynamic basics, comments on system safety and system charging.  Bitzer products available for CO2, as well suitable lubricants for different applications followed by an overview of our CO2 online software.  The day was finished with looking at different types of system design (Gustav-Lorentzen, Booster FGB, Booster Parallel compressor + incorporation of heat pumps), reviewing pressure-enthalpy diagrams and discussing practical benefits of additional components (internal heat exchangers, suction desuperheaters)

The second day was focused on the practical aspects of handling the refrigerant on a real system in our lab at the Schaufler Academy.  A system was commissioned, including the charging of CO2. The team were then taken through which data was required to assess the general COP of the system and how our software could be used to calculate this on site.  The team then went back to the classroom to cover Ejectors and fault finding with examples taken from real situations we have seen on site.

It was a fascinating and fulfilling time at Bitzer. To explore the factories, and learn about the principles of CO2 as well as learn the fundamentals behind achieving sufficient design was really eye-opening and awe-inspiring.

Much was learned and I look forward to being able to use this newfound knowledge to improve a number of our design principles and processes.

To anyone starting out in the refrigeration industry, or to anyone who has been in the refrigeration industry for a number of years. This training course is strongly recommended.