Low GWP Chillers

SMC Thermo-Chillers • Low GWP Refrigerants

SMC Low GWP Chillers — Precision Cooling, Lower Environmental Impact

SMC's Low GWP thermo-chiller lineup uses R-454C (GWP 146), R-32 (GWP 675), and CO₂ (GWP 1) refrigerants — dramatically below thresholds set by the EPA AIM Act, CARB, and EU F-Gas regulations — while delivering ±0.1°C temperature stability and drop-in-footprint replacement for legacy HFC chillers.

1.2 – 30.5
kW Cooling Range
±0.1°C
Temp Stability
(±0.02°C on SEMI)
3
Refrigerants
R-454C / R-32 / CO₂
GWP 1
Lowest Option
CO₂ / Air-Freight OK
SEMI
S2 / S8 / F47
On Select Models
The Regulatory Landscape Is Changing

Refrigerant Rules Are Tightening — SMC's Low GWP Lineup Is Ready

The U.S. EPA AIM Act, California CARB, Canada ECCC, and the EU F-Gas Regulation have all enacted restrictions on high-GWP refrigerants. The HFC Management Rule took effect January 1, 2026, and the Technology Transitions Rule has already capped new industrial process chillers at 700 GWP in most categories. Compliance deadlines are active, and per-day penalty exposure is real.

SMC's Low GWP thermo-chiller lineup is engineered to meet and exceed these thresholds today — with R-454C (GWP 146), R-32 (GWP 675), and CO₂ (GWP 1) refrigerants across general-purpose, large-capacity, rack-mounted, SEMI-standard semiconductor, and dual-channel laser cooling configurations. Every model is designed to match the dimensions, port sizes, and cooling performance of its legacy HFC predecessor, so upgrading doesn't mean re-engineering your setup.

For the full regulatory breakdown — including EPA enforcement actions, state-level CARB penalties, and what to do if your installed base still runs R-410A or R-134a — read The Low-GWP Chiller Transition: What Every Plant Engineer Needs to Know in 2026.

Why Choose SMC Low GWP Chillers

Compliance Today. Zero Performance Compromise.

For Plant Engineers & Maintenance

Drop-In Replacement for Legacy HFC Units

  • Dimensions, port sizes, and layouts match SMC's existing HRS/HRZ series
  • Same ±0.1°C temperature stability, PID control, and multi-alarm monitoring
  • Serial RS-232C/RS-485, Ethernet Modbus, and contact/analog I/O standard
  • UL (C-ETL-US), CE, UKCA, RoHS certified across the lineup
For Sustainability & Compliance Leads

Built for Current & Future GWP Thresholds

  • All refrigerants fall below the 700 GWP federal cap for new chillers
  • CO₂ models (GWP 1) are the lowest-impact option on the market — air-freight eligible
  • Eligible for ESG and CDP emissions reporting credit on Scope 1 refrigerant leakage
  • Inverter-driven models reduce operating energy use alongside refrigerant impact
Product Lineup At A Glance

Seven Series. One Low GWP Platform.

HRSF • R-454C

General Purpose (Medium)

1.3 – 5.9 kW. Air- or water-cooled. Single-phase power. Heating function and serial comm standard. Machine tools, lasers, general manufacturing.

Shop HRSF →
HRSC • CO₂

General Purpose (CO₂)

1.3 – 5.9 kW with CO₂ (GWP 1) — the lowest-impact option available. Air-freight eligible. CE, UKCA, UL, RoHS certified.

Shop HRSC →
HRSC090 / 100 • CO₂

Large Capacity (CO₂)

9.5 – 11.5 kW. HRSC100 adds triple inverter control (compressor, pump, fan) plus IPX4 outdoor rating for demand-based energy savings.

Shop HRSC090/100 →
HRSHF • R-32

Smart Inverter (Large)

15.7 – 30.5 kW. Inverter-driven compressor for demand-based energy savings. IPX4 outdoor-rated with seal-less immersion pump. Optional DI water.

Shop HRSHF →
HRRF • R-454C

Rack Mounted

1.2 or 1.8 kW in a standard 19-inch rack. Air- or water-cooled. RS-232C/RS-485 comm. Labs, test equipment, space-constrained installations.

Shop HRRF →
HRZC / HRZF • SEMI

SEMI Standard (Semiconductor)

2 – 10 kW with CO₂ (HRZC) or R-454C (HRZF). SEMI S2/S8/F47 certified. ±0.02°C stability. Fluorinated-fluid compatible.

Shop HRZC/HRZF →
HRLF • R-454C • Dual Channel

Laser Cooling (Dual Channel)

Two independent cooling channels in one chiller: oscillator loop (19 – 21.5 kW) plus optical head loop (1 kW). Air- or water-cooled. Copper-free construction for DI water compatibility. Ethernet Modbus and serial communication standard. Built for high-power fiber, CO₂, and YAG laser systems.

Refrigerant Selection

CO₂ vs. A2L: Which Refrigerant Class Fits Your Facility?

Class A1 • GWP 1

Choose CO₂ (R-744) When…

  • Your facility has a no-flammable-refrigerant policy
  • You need the absolute lowest GWP for ESG reporting
  • Air freight eligibility matters for logistics
  • Semiconductor / precision needs SEMI cert + ±0.02°C (HRZC)
Class A2L • GWP 146

Choose R-454C When…

  • Facility is comfortable with A2L with updated safety policies
  • You want close thermodynamic match to legacy HFC systems
  • Air freight isn't required for deployment
  • You want the broadest capacity/config range in the lineup
Class A2L • GWP 675

Choose R-32 When…

  • You need large-capacity cooling (15.7 – 30.5 kW) with inverter efficiency
  • You want a mature refrigerant with strong global service infrastructure
  • Under 700 GWP meets your regulatory requirements
  • HRSHF's seal-less pump and outdoor rating match your install
Key Specifications

Specifications Across the Range

Specification Details
Temperature Stability ±0.1°C standard; ±0.02°C on select SEMI models (HRZC under stable load)
Temperature Set Range As wide as −20 to 90°C (model dependent)
Refrigerants R-454C (GWP 146, A2L) • R-32 (GWP 675, A2L) • CO₂/R-744 (GWP 1, A1)
Cooling Methods Air-cooled and water-cooled options across all series
Circulating Fluids Tap water, deionized water, ethylene glycol solutions, fluorinated fluids (SEMI models)
Communication Serial RS-232C/RS-485 • Ethernet Modbus • Contact/Analog I/O • DeviceNet (select SEMI)
Power Supply Single-phase (medium capacity) • Three-phase 200 / 400 VAC (large capacity & SEMI)
Standards & Certifications UL (C-ETL-US) • CE • UKCA • RoHS • SEMI S2 / S8 / F47 (HRZC, HRZF)
Common Applications

Where SMC Low GWP Chillers Go to Work

Machine Tool / CNC

Spindle and coolant cooling on CNC mills, lathes, and grinding centers. HRSF / HRSC fit most platforms.

Laser Processing

Fiber, CO₂, and YAG laser cutting, welding, and marking. HRLF dual-channel is purpose-built.

Semiconductor / Fab

Wafer processing, etch, CVD, and metrology. HRZC with CO₂ meets SEMI S2/S8/F47.

Lab / Test Equipment

Analytical instruments, environmental chambers, battery test benches. HRRF rack-mounts cleanly.

Medical Device

MRI auxiliary cooling, sterilization, and precision medical manufacturing processes.

EV / Battery

Battery formation, cycle testing, and thermal shock chambers. HRSHF for larger cells.

Plastics & Extrusion

Mold, platen, and melt-stream cooling in injection molding and extrusion lines.

General Process

Any closed-loop process cooling application where ±0.1°C stability matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Low GWP Chillers: Common Questions

What does "Low GWP" actually mean for an industrial chiller?

Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a standardized measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere relative to CO₂, which has a GWP of 1. Legacy chiller refrigerants like R-410A (GWP 2,088) and R-134a (GWP 1,430) sit well above current regulatory thresholds. SMC's Low GWP lineup uses R-454C (GWP 146), R-32 (GWP 675), and CO₂ (GWP 1) — all below the 700 GWP cap the EPA applied to most new industrial process chillers under the Technology Transitions Rule.

Do I need to replace my existing R-410A or R-134a chiller right now?

No. Existing installed chillers are grandfathered and can continue operating. The EPA Technology Transitions Rule and state-level regulations apply to new equipment manufactured, imported, or placed into service after the compliance date. The right time to transition is at natural end-of-life or when capital planning allows — specifying low-GWP on your next purchase is the practical path.

Are A2L refrigerants (R-454C, R-32) safe for my facility?

A2L means "lower flammability" under ASHRAE Standard 34 — far less flammable than A2 or A3 classes, with very high ignition energy and slow burn rates. A2L refrigerants have been adopted globally across HVAC and process cooling. SMC's A2L chillers are engineered with appropriate charge limits, leak detection, and ventilation guidance. Facilities with strict no-flammable policies can specify the CO₂ (R-744) HRSC, HRSC090/100, or HRZC models instead — CO₂ is classified A1 (non-flammable, non-toxic).

Will a Low GWP chiller fit in the footprint of my existing SMC chiller?

In most cases, yes. SMC engineered the Low GWP lineup as drop-in replacements for its legacy HRS / HRZ chillers — matching dimensions, port sizes, port locations, and cooling capacity ranges. Confirm the exact replacement SKU against your current model's spec sheet before ordering, or request a chiller evaluation from our team.

What's the difference between HRSF and HRSC at the same cooling capacity?

They cover the same 1.3 – 5.9 kW range with matched form factors, but differ by refrigerant: HRSF uses R-454C (A2L, GWP 146), while HRSC uses CO₂ (A1, GWP 1). Choose HRSC if you need the lowest possible GWP, A1 non-flammable classification, or air-freight eligibility. Choose HRSF if A2L is acceptable and you want the broadest configuration options.

Which Low GWP chiller is right for semiconductor fab use?

The HRZC (CO₂) and HRZF (R-454C) are certified to SEMI S2, S8, and F47, and are compatible with fluorinated coolants (Fluorinert, GALDEN) as well as water/glycol. The HRZC specifically delivers ±0.02°C stability under stable heat load, a −10 to 90°C range, and dual-inverter (compressor + pump) control for energy efficiency.

Are these chillers available with deionized (DI) water compatibility?

Yes. The HRLF dual-channel laser chiller and select HRRF rack-mount configurations use copper-free wetted materials for DI water service. The HRSHF R-32 large-capacity series offers DI-compatible variants. The HRZC and HRZF SEMI chillers support fluorinated fluids and DI water in their standard wetted-material specification.

How do I get help selecting the right model?

Share your current chiller's model number, heat load (kW), set-point temperature, required fluid, and any facility constraints (power available, footprint, outdoor/indoor install, flammability policy). Contact our team for a sizing review, or use the SMC Thermo-Chiller Model Selection Software to configure online.

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Don't Wait for a Compliance Deadline to Force Your Hand

Automation Distribution is an authorized SMC distributor stocking the full Low GWP thermo-chiller lineup. Talk to our application team for sizing, drop-in replacement verification, and lead-time confirmation.

Request a Chiller Evaluation → Read the 2026 Transition Guide →

Verify all specifications against current SMC documentation prior to installation. Specifications subject to change without notice. Refrigerant classifications per ASHRAE Standard 34. GWP values per IPCC AR6. Automation Distribution is an authorized SMC distributor.