THE IMPACT OF SELECTED COOLING SYSTEMS ON THE URBAN NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

The aim of the paper is to indicate the possibility of using refrigerants which do not have a harmful effect on the destruction of the Earth's ozone layer and the urban environment. Design/methodology/approach: The environmental impact of refrigerants was characterized. Selected refrigerants and their place of application are described. The impact of selected refrigerants on the urban environment is presented. Findings: An attempt has been made to identify the absolute environmental impact of selected stationary refrigeration systems in operation in cities, i.e. home refrigerators, individual air conditioners, heat pumps, air conditioning systems of large-format stores -shopping centers, or cold stores. Both the direct impact related to the refrigerant used in the system and the indirect one related to the energy consumption to drive the device have been considered. Practical implications: Use of new refrigerants that do not damage the Earth's ozone layer. Originality/value: The environmental impact of different refrigerants is presented. The paper is addressed to technical services and personnel responsible for the design and operation of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.