According to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2729, from 1 January 2025, the placing on the market of self-contained refrigeration equipment (except chillers) using fluorinated greenhouse gases with a GWP of 150 or higher is prohibited. This regulation marks a major shift in refrigeration technology for environmental simulation equipment.
In response, KOMEG has developed a new generation of temperature and humidity environmental test chambers using CO₂ refrigerant (R744). With a GWP value of 1, CO₂ is a natural, non-flammable, and non-toxic refrigerant that fully complies with EU environmental regulations while significantly reducing the carbon footprint and long-term operating costs.
Key Features and Advantages
Test performance: Temperature range –40°C to +180°C, humidity range 10%–98% RH, suitable for demanding climate and load tests under realistic conditions
Regulatory compliance: Fully aligned with EU market requirements for environmental simulation equipment
Engineering design:
High-pressure system design to accommodate CO₂ operation
Use of stainless-steel piping instead of copper
Upgraded high-pressure compressors and components
Precision welding to minimize leakage risks
Low-Temperature Considerations
CO₂ refrigerant can reach temperatures down to approximately –50°C
For applications below –50°C, refrigerants such as R23 or R469A are still required
Equipment operating below –50°C is permitted to use refrigerants with GWP ≥150 until 31 December 2028
R170 (GWP 5–6) is considered a promising future alternative for ultra-low-temperature applications
About KOMEG
Founded in 1990, KOMEG is a global supplier of standard and custom environmental test chambers, including temperature and humidity chambers, rapid-rate thermal cycle chambers, walk-in chambers, battery test chambers, thermal shock chambers, HAST chambers, altitude chambers, industrial ovens, and salt spray test chambers.
KOMEG is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, serves customers in over 70 countries and regions, and has the capability to manufacture environmental test chambers with volumes of several hundred cubic meters. With industry-leading technology and a low failure rate, KOMEG remains committed to sustainability by enhancing energy efficiency and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions through CO₂ refrigeration technology.