Accounting and sensitivity analysis of CO2 emissions from typical food cold chain equipment in China

Abstract

The current status of CO₂ emissions from cold chain equipment in China is somewhat unclear due to deficiencies in accounting methods and relevant data. Future emission reduction efforts could not be effectively guided and conducted as a result. Given this situation, the actual running data and holdings of typical cold chain equipment are obtained, as well as the latest authoritative parameters. CO₂ emission characteristics of individual cold chain equipment are examined. Results suggest that for large equipment such as cold stores, the CO₂ emissions due to high GWP refrigerant leakage are remarkably high. For the R507A cold store, refrigerant-related emissions can account for a maximum of 87.2 % of total annual emissions and 92.1 % of total lifetime emissions, respectively. The situation is reversed for small equipment such as refrigerated vehicles and domestic refrigerators. Refrigerant-related emissions are relatively negligible, even with high GWP refrigerant use and high refrigerant leakage rates. A sensitivity analysis indicates that the size of the equipment has a significant impact on CO₂ emissions. This factor is considered for estimating the current total CO₂ emissions. Results show total emissions of 203.1 Mt. for medium refrigerant leakage scenario. Total energy- and refrigerant-related emissions are 164.8 and 38.3 Mt., respectively, making the former a priority for future reductions. Emissions from refrigerated retail and refrigerated end equipment are 90.6 and 74.7 Mt., respectively, which are the two largest emitters. This study may contribute to the sustainable development of cold chain equipment in China.