Trends in customer demands recently indicate that sustainability is incredibly important in purchase decisions. This is true for vehicle choices, energy sourcing, and especially for home HVAC decisions. A recent advancement in heat pump technology, a class of green refrigerants called A2L, has less impact on the planet but can potentially be flammable if used in a poor design. This article explores new Omron anti-explosion relays for use in heat pumps and other applications using green refrigerants.
As the world moves towards more environmentally friendly refrigerants, the transition to A2L refrigerants is gaining momentum. A2L refrigerants, with their lower global warming potential, offer a promising solution for reducing environmental impact. However, these refrigerants come with their own set of challenges, particularly in terms of safety. To ensure the safe operation of systems using A2L refrigerants, the need for explosion-proof relays has become paramount.
A2L refrigerants, also known as mildly flammable refrigerants, strike a balance between environmental impact and safety. They have a lower global warming potential compared to traditional refrigerants, making them an attractive choice for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, A2L refrigerants have a degree of flammability, which poses potential risks if not handled properly. This is where explosion-proof relays come into play.
Explosion-proof relays are specifically designed to prevent the ignition of flammable substances, making them essential components in systems using A2L refrigerants. These relays are engineered to withstand the potential hazards associated with flammable environments, ensuring the safety of both the equipment and the surrounding area. By utilizing explosion-proof relays, the risk of ignition due to electrical arcing or sparking is significantly reduced, providing a reliable and secure solution for A2L refrigerant applications.
The explosion-proof relays must adhere to stringent safety standards, such as IEC/EN 60079-15, which specifically addresses equipment protection in explosive atmospheres. These relays undergo rigorous testing to confirm their non-flammability and compliance with safety regulations. By meeting these standards, explosion-proof relays provide peace of mind to engineers, installers, and end-users, knowing that their systems are equipped with reliable and safe components.
Omron Device and Module Solutions has made it their focus to meet the growing market demand for anti-explosion relays. Many of Omron’s existing relays have been tested to add the IEC/EN 60079-15 rating to their list of conformed standards. Omron is also building out their future relay line-up to expand the offering of anti-explosion relays to higher capacity products. It is the company’s focus to support applications such as heat pumps or refrigeration, and ensure safe-switching with the transition to environmentally friendly refrigerants.