Danfoss exclusive interview says numbers of NH3/CO2 projects in China will double in 2015 

By Caixia Mao, May 11, 2015, 14:06 3 minute reading

At China Refrigeration 2015 in Shanghai, ammonia21.com interviewed Danfoss’ Carsten Dahlgaard, Industrial Refrigeration Global Marketing Director to find out more about the opportunities and challenges facing NH3/CO2 systems in the fast growing Chinese cold chain. China is the Danfoss’ second largest market after Europe, and is where the company manufactures 50% of their industrial refrigeration products. 

ammonia21.com: What role will NH3/CO2 system play in the rapidly expanding cold chain market in China today and what are Danfoss’ plans for this sector? 
 
Carsten Dahlgaard: the demand for NH3/CO2 systems in China is growing as end users seek to meet legislative and energy efficiency requirements. Chinese end users are looking for systems that reduce the ammonia charge because the government prohibits the building of facilities with ammonia refrigerant charges above a certain amount in densely populated areas. Using NH3/CO2 systems reduces the ammonia charge, in addition to CO2 providing significant energy savings when used in low temperature refrigeration. 
 
ammonia21.com: What steps is Danfoss taking to ensure safety while working with natural refrigerants in industrial refrigeration?
 
Dahlgaard: All Danfoss products are PED (Pressure Equipment Directive) approved by the European Union, meeting high quality standards. In addition, we regularly organize technology roadshows where we invite end users and contractors and share with them our European experiences. Each time we invite around 100 participants to demonstrate the safety of NH3/CO2 system. The next one will be in June 2015 and focus on the safety of ammonia refrigeration, 10 stations in 12 days by Danfoss and CAR (Chinese Association of Refrigeation) together. 
 
ammonia21.com: Have you seen any impact from the newly released Environmental Protection Law introduced by the Chinese government in 2015 in terms of end users’ adapting their choice of refrigerant? 
 
Dahlgaard: Indeed as a result of this law some big players in China are now seeking new solutions to move to large systems using natural refrigerants, such as NH3/CO2 systems. The technology Danfoss offers is a great fit for such installations. 
 
ammonia21.com: What are the major challenges preventing NH3/CO2 systems from being widely adopted in the industrial refrigeration sector in China? 
 
Dahlgaard: The biggest challenge today is the lack of skilled people able to operate these systems, from both the engineering and contractor side. The knowledge today in how to handle and build such systems is still very limited, although we have seen some improvements. Danfoss’ strategy is therefore to also help our customers by providing support with training. 
 
ammonia21.com: How do you evaluate the market potential for automatic ammonia control systems in industrial applications in China today? 
 
Dahlgaard: Danfoss considers China as its second home due to the long time friendship and  huge market demanding. Here, the demand for systems that are safe and can improve food quality is increasing as Chinese consumers new demand better quality food with and higher safety standards. We can help the cold chain by offering automatic control systems, which help end users to produce higher quality food in larger quantities, which in turn can be sold at higher prices and generate more profits. This is a win-win solution for both Danfoss and end users. 

ammonia21.com: Do you believe the Chinese industry is better placed with regards to NH3/CO2 solutions and new technologies at this year’s China Refrigeration Exhibition compared to previous years? 

Dahlgaard: The market for NH3/CO2 solutions in China is moving fast. There are also more Chinese contractors entering the market this year, able to build such systems. Last year, there were around 15 projects using NH3/CO2 technology in China, a number that had now doubled to more than 30. We could expect the continue increasing in the coming years. This is the way we want China to move as we have the right products for this transition. 
 
ammonia21.com: What is your opinion and future expectations on the evolution of standards and policy regulation for NH3/CO2 in industrial refrigeration in China? 
 
Dahlgaard: The Chinese government will shift the industry towards NH3/CO2 systems. It is moving the same direction as the EU, although it might not be as fast as in the EU. Overall we believe the trend is going the right way, towards natural refrigerants solution. This is very positive to see. 
 
Thank you!
 

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By Caixia Mao

May 11, 2015, 14:06




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