As global temperatures rise and environmental regulations tighten, CO₂ air conditioners have become a standout solution in the cooling industry. Unlike conventional units that rely on high-GWP refrigerants, these systems leverage CO₂’s unique properties to redefine eco-friendly cooling.
The key technical advantage lies in CO₂’s thermophysical traits. Operating on a transcritical cycle, CO₂ transitions to a supercritical state during compression, enabling rapid heat exchange. This design allows CO₂ air conditioners to maintain high efficiency—even in extreme heat. Tests show they lose only 10-12% of cooling capacity at 45°C, while traditional models drop by 25% or more. Moreover, integrated smart controls, like variable-speed compressors paired with CO₂-specific heat exchangers, optimize energy use by adapting to real-time cooling demands.
Beyond efficiency, CO₂ air conditioners excel in sustainability. With ODP of 0 and GWP of 1, they avoid the ozone layer damage and global warming impacts of HFCs. This aligns with global goals, such as the Kigali Amendment, driving their adoption in regions like Europe and North America.
Practically, they suit diverse settings. In European grocery stores, CO₂ systems cool produce sections without harmful leaks. In Scandinavian homes, they double as efficient heaters in winter, cutting reliance on fossil fuels. As manufacturing costs fall, CO₂ air conditioners are no longer a niche choice but a mainstream step toward greener, more resilient cooling.
