Case study on industry innovation following the introduction of the equivalent
carbon price on synthetic greenhouse gases
Mayekawa delivers industrial heating
and cooling using natural refrigerants
As part of the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Future Plan, the equivalent carbon price for
synthetic greenhouse gases commenced on 1 July 2012. The introduction of the equivalent carbon
price encourages industry to change its practices in order to reduce emissions of synthetic
greenhouse gases, to use alternative gases and to improve the recycling rates of these gases.
This case study highlights one effective change that has been implemented by industry.
Mayekawa Australia is a supplier of specialty industrial refrigeration systems using natural
refrigerants, including air, carbon dioxide, water and ammonia. The company’s technology is used
in the food production and petrochemical industries, and for large scale commercial and domestic
applications.
Since the introduction of the equivalent carbon price, Mayekawa has identified increased interest
amongst its clients for natural refrigerant technologies.
In March 2012, installation, testing and commissioning of a Mayekawa Plus+Heat ammonia heat
pump was completed at a South Australian abattoir, T&R Lobethal.
The Plus+Heat heat pump was constructed to Australian Standards, based on proven designs
from Mayekawa’s European office with coefficients of performance ranging from 4.8 to 6.5. The
heat pump was specifically designed to integrate with the abattoir’s existing cooling plant to
produce hot water from the rejected heat. The hot water is subsequently used for the abattoir’s
cleaning and sterilisation processes.
The heating plant that was replaced was a gas boiler, and the choice of an ammonia heat pump
was considered to be the logical choice, both financially and environmentally. Ammonia is naturally
occurring in the atmosphere and has a global warming potential (GWP) of zero. As a comparison,
conventional heat pumps typically use the synthetic greenhouse gas refrigerant R-134a, which has
GWP of 1300.
The primary safety concern with the new plant is the handling of ammonia, which is caustic. To
mitigate the risks, leak detection systems were installed, and all materials and workmanship were
specified and conducted according to relevant Australian Standards, including electrical and
refrigeration.
The benefits achieved from the selection of Mayekawa’s Plus+Heat ammonia heat pump include
high coefficient of performance, lower energy consumption costs and zero contribution to the
greenhouse warming effect from the refrigerant usage.
Mayekawa is also introducing other technologies, including an adsorption1 chiller (suitable for trigeneration applications) that uses water as its refrigerant, an air-based refrigerant system for very
cold (-80 degrees Celsius) storage applications and CO2 heat pump technology (which is already
being used for large scale hot water heating in the Northern Territory).
Applying an equivalent carbon price to synthetic greenhouse gases creates an incentive to
implement changes to reduce emissions. As demonstrated by this case study, the changes
implemented can provide ongoing financial and environmental benefits.
For further information regarding this case study, contact Tony Kaji, Managing Director on 02 9695
7000.
For further information regarding the equivalent carbon price, go to
www.environment.gov.au/equivalentcarbonprice
There are Federal and state government-funded programs in place to support businesses with
innovation in this space. For further information go to www.eex.gov.au/business-support/programs
Photo courtesy of Mayekawa.
Photo: Mayekawa Plus+Heat Heat Pump
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this case study are those of the authors and does not
necessarily reflect those of the Australian Government of the Minister for Sustainability,
Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this case study are
factually correct, the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or
completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be
occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this case
study.
1 Adsorption is the adherence of the molecules of a gas or liquid on the surface of a second (typically solid) substance. The
molecules are attracted to the surface but do not enter and permeate the second substance, such as occurs with absorption.
2