The use of the natural refrigerant R744 (CO₂) is becoming a priority in modern refrigeration technologies. To choose the right configuration for your installation, it is important to understand the difference between subcritical and transcritical CO₂ systems , their advantages , as well as in which conditions and applications they are most often used.
Subcritical systems operate at pressures and temperatures below the critical point of CO₂ (31.1°C, 73.8 bar). In these systems, CO₂ behaves like a classic refrigerant – it evaporates, compresses, condenses and expands in a closed cycle. A traditional water- or air-cooled condenser is used.
Most common in colder climates or marine applications where ambient temperatures rarely exceed 30°C.
Extremely suitable for commercial ships , fishing vessels , small industrial installations and temperature-controlled chambers .
Lower initial investment and simpler maintenance .
Transcritical systems are designed to operate above the critical point of CO₂. They use a gas cooler instead of a classic condenser and rely on advanced pressure control , ejector technologies and high-efficiency compressors .
Suitable for warm climates (Southern Europe, Middle East, tropical regions)
Most commonly used in supermarkets , logistics centers , large cold storage facilities and <