Structural Concepts is transitioning its self-contained refrigerated merchandisers to R290 by the end of 2024. With the R290 system, fresh food operators will experience a quieter operation, a reduction in daily energy consumption, and a future proof solution that complies with EPA requirements.
The AIM Act (American Innovation and Manufacturing), enacted on December 27, 2020, authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address hydrofluorocarbons in three main ways: 1) phasing down their production and consumption, 2) promulgating certain regulations for purposes of maximizing reclamation and minimizing releases of HFCs from equipment and ensuring the safety of technicians and consumers and 3) facilitating the transition to next-generation technologies through sector-based restrictions. The EPA’s final rule in the Technology Transition Program focuses on the third area—the transition to substitutes through sector-based restrictions.
The final rule, signed October 5, 2023, restricts the use of higher GWP HFCs in new aerosol, foam, and refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump products and equipment. In most subsectors, the EPA has set a maximum GWP limit on HFCs or HFC blends that can be used. The rule operates by:
- Prohibiting the manufacture and import of products that use higher GWP HFCs
- Prohibiting the sale, distribution and export of those products three years after the manufacture and import restriction, and
- Prohibiting the installation of new heat pump systems that use higher GWP HFCs.
Compliance dates and GWP limits vary based on sector (refer to full final rule). For self-contained refrigeration for the retail food subsector, the manufacture and import compliance date is January 1, 2025.
R290, also known as refrigeration-grade propane, has proven to be one of the most viable alternatives to high GWP HFC refrigerants in industrial and commercial applications.
R290 is a class A3 refrigerant by ASHRAE and is classified as a hydrocarbon refrigerant. It is a non-toxic, natural, and environmentally friendly refrigerant that is ideal for use in low-temperature refrigeration applications.
Structural Concepts is transitioning to R290, well ahead of the EPA’s 12/31/24 deadline so that your fresh food selling operations will not be disrupted in the reliable performance and peace of mind you expect from us.
Our new common designs and robust components provide further peace of mind that you’ll experience consistent trouble-free operation – and our industry-best lead times will ensure immediate product availability and on-time delivery.
Structural Concepts, in partnership with NIDEC, has innovated single and multi-circuit refrigeration systems that are future-proof and emphasize efficiency for daily energy savings.
We are conducting a full product line conversion from Hydrofluoroolefins (HFO’s) to low charge R290 variable speed technology; Single and multi-circuit systems using less than 150g of R290.
With the majority of cases transitioning to NSF Type II (operating in environments that don’t exceed 80° F and 55% relative humidity), we’re already prepared with our innovative Breeze-E refrigeration system. An easy-to-maintain, slide-out refrigeration system that’s designed with a variable speed compressor, smart microprocessor, and an oversized condenser coil to ensure a longer life and stronger overall performance providing the benefit of holding product-safe temperatures in warmer, more humid operating environments
The R290 condensing unit with variable speed compressor smartly optimizes energy consumption by managing compressor on and off cycles. The onboard condensate pan provides a completely self-contained solution that is fully operational once the unit is plugged in.
We are working to keep the impact of this change to a minimum, but some models will experience dimensional and/or electrical connection changes to accommodate a refrigeration system that uses less than 150 grams of R290. For most models, the model number won’t change with the R290 transition.
Please refer to model specification sheets for exact details.
You’ll have an option for the current refrigeration or R290 for all POs received by 11/1/24, at which time the non-R290 system will be removed. For some models where dimensional changes occur, new models will replace the existing non-R290 models. When this occurs, both models will be available for orders until 11/1/24.
After this date, the non-R290 model will be removed.
We cannot produce non-R290 equipment after 12/31/24.
Blend Collection (NM)
Reveal Refrigerated Cases Phase 1
Self-Service Refrigerated Models (MD)
Refrigerated Self-Service Islands & Endcaps (FSI / FSE / FSC)
Harmony Collection (HMO, HMG, HMBC)
Fusion Low, Mid, and high-Capacity Refrigerated Cases (G-Series)
Produce Cases (P-3941R)
Combination Cases (CO27, COU27)
Hot/Cold Combo (B3924RH)
Reveal Refrigerated Cases Phase 2
Low/Med. Temp. Refrigerated Self-Service Multipurpose Island (MI-F)
Our foundation of unprecedented expertise in self-contained refrigeration has allowed us to pioneer award-winning technology that sets the standard for reliable products with unmatched ease of operation and strong performance. We engineer purpose-built solutions for performance that brings peace of mind that your display is performing as intended and will be quick to maintain/service when needed. Watch this general-purpose guideline video on best practices for your Structural Concepts display utilizing R290 condensing units.
