LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

Impact of EN378:2016 on LG AE Systems

KdB Rev A, 8-6-2017

AE-engcenter@lge.com

Koen de Brabander

Contents
I. Abstract............................................................................................................................................... 1
II. Classification of system ....................................................................................................................... 2
III. Determining the type of calculation ..................................................................................................... 5
IV. Measures that can be applied ............................................................................................................ 10
V. Calculation of maximum charge ......................................................................................................... 15
VI. Cautionary ......................................................................................................................................... 16

This file contains information about a LG technology applied. It is an internal only document provided with the sole purpose of
increasing visibility and knowledge between LGE members. For reasons of confidentiality and copyright infringement laws we kindly
ask you before sharing this info to consult us.
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

I. Abstract

There has been a new version of the EN378 published on the 30th of November 2016. In this document we
review the changes and the whole process of selecting the right measures.

1
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

II. Classification of system

Classification access category: EN378-1:2016

Most systems can be classified as category A. Please look carefully if you system can pass category B
or C. If you are in doubt always choose A.

On the next page you find the categorization of the refrigerating system

2
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

EN378-1:2016 5.4 and 5.5

Because of this issue we have to look at Paragraph 5.3 if it is a Class I or II installation

3
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

EN378-1:2016 5.3d

All LG systems have to be considered as Class I because indoor units are located in the occupied
space. In the next paragraph you can see what measures should be taken.

4
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

III. Determining the type of calculation

Composition of R410a

As R410 is an A1 refrigerant we can follow table C1, see next page.

5
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

EN378-1:2016 Table C.1

Location Classification

For example a Hotel = a (general access)

Toxicity class or R410 = A (see previous table)

And location classification = I (duct unit in room)

Outcome = Toxicity limit x Room volume or see table C.3

6
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

Section C.3 notes the following.

C.3 Alternative for risk management of refrigerating systems in occupied spaces
C.3.1 General
Where the combination of location classification and access categories shown in Table C.1 and Table C.2 allow the use
of the alternative provisions then the designer can choose (for some or all of the occupied spaces served by the
equipment) to calculate the allowable refrigerant charge using the RCL, QLMV or QLAV values in table C.3. All occupied
spaces where refrigerant-containing parts of the system are located shall be considered in calculating the allowable
refrigerant charge. These alternative provisions can only be used for an occupied space which fulfils all of following
conditions:
 systems where the refrigerant is classified as A1 or A2L according to Annex E; OK
 systems where the refrigerant charge does not exceed 150 kg and does not exceed 1,5 × m3 for A2L refrigerants; depending on system
 systems where the rated cooling (heating) capacity of the indoor unit is not more than 25 % of the total cooling (heating) capacity of the
outdoor unit systems and where pipes serving equipment in the occupied space in question are not oversized relative to the capacity of that
equipment; depending on system, indoorunits can not be bigger then 25% of capacity
 system location is class II in accordance with 5.3; compressors in open air or machine room
 systems where the heat exchanger in the indoor unit and the control of the system are designed to prevent damage due to ice formation;
OK
 systems where the refrigerant-containing parts of the indoor unit are protected against fan breakage or the fan is designed to prevent
breakage; SEE REMARK FROM HQ
 systems where only permanent joints are used in the occupied space in question except for site made joints directly connecting the indoor
unit to the piping; OK
 systems where the refrigerant-containing pipes in the occupied space in question are installed in such way that it is protected against
accidental damage in accordance with EN 378-2:2016, 6.2.3.3.4 and EN 378-3:2016, 6.2; OK if installed well
 alternative provisions to ensure safety are provided in accordance with C.3.2.2 and C.3.2.3; OK if leak detection installed
 doors of the occupied space are not tight-fitting; Location should not have air tight doors
 effect of flow down is mitigated in accordance with C.3.2.4. depending on building design
NOTE: provided all of the above conditions are fulfilled, the maximum leakage in the occupied space is assumed to be not greater than that resulting
from a pinhole leak, and the maximum charge is calculated on that basis.

Remark from HQ on fan Breakage:

2017-06-08 Chung, Su Ryong (suryong.chung@lge.com)

We conclude that there is no risk of leakage caused by fan breakage.

First, Indoor units have a difficult constructions to hit the heat exchanger with broken fan blade.
and if broken fan blade hit the heat exchanger, there is no enough energy to cause the leakage of refrigerant.

so, we can apply to alternative for risk management of refrigerating systems in occupied spaces.

If all conditions above can be answered with YES you can proceed to the following section and you
can use table C.3 and apply the RCL or QLMV. If not proceed to the calculating charge limit (page 15)
and calculate the maximum allowed charge limit based on the ATEL/ODL or the Practical limit,
whichever is higher. All points above are all depending on the real system in the building. This can
only be determined by installer or designer.

7
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

C.3.2 Allowable charge

C.3.2.1 General

For occupied spaces exceeding 250 m2, the charge limits calculation shall use 250 m2 as the room floor area for determination of the room volume

The total charge of the system divided by the room volume shall not exceed the QLMV value in Table C.3 (or if the lowest floor is underground, the RCL
value in Table C.3) unless appropriate measures are taken. If the value exceeds the QLMV or RCL, appropriate measures shall be taken in accordance
with C.3.2.2 or C.3.2.3. The appropriate measure shall be ventilation (natural or mechanical), safety shut-off valves and safety alarm, in conjunction with
a gas detection device, see in EN 378-3:2016, Clauses 6, 8, 9 and 10. A safety alarm alone shall not be considered as an appropriate measure where
occupants are restricted in their movement (see EN 378-3:2016, 8.1).

NOTE 1 For systems that are installed and operated within the constraints of C.3.1 the risk of rapid release of refrigerant through a major leak has
been minimized. The calculation of ventilation rate in this annex has therefore been based on a maximum leakage rate of 10 kg/h.

NOTE 2 QLMV is based on a room height of 2,2 m and an opening of 0,003 2 m2 (calculated from a 0,8 m width door and 4 mm gap typical of rooms
without designed ventilation).

NOTE 3 QLAV is based on an oxygen concentration of 18,5 vol % assuming perfect mixing.

NOTE 4 Calculation examples are provided in Annex H.

EN378-1:2016 C.3.2.2 Occupancies except those on the lowest underground floor of the
building

Where the refrigerant charge divided by the room volume does not exceed the QLMV, no additional
measures are required. Where the value is more than the QLMV but less than or equal to QLAV value,
at least one of the measures described in EN 378-3:2016, Clauses 6 and 8 shall be applied. Where
the value exceeds the QLAV, at least two of the specified measures shall be applied.

QLMV and QLAV are both 0,42 kg/m3

>0,42kg/m3 two safety measures from the list.

For example continuous ventilation and leak detection see the following pages.

8
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

EN378-1:2016 C.3.2.3 Occupancies on the lowest underground floor of the building

Where the refrigerant charge divided by the room volume is more than the RCL value in Table C.3
but less than or equal to QLMV value, at least one of the measures described in EN 378-3:2016,
Clauses 6, 8 and 9 shall be applied. Where the value exceeds the QLMV, at least two of the specified
measures shall be applied. The value shall not exceed QLAV value.

RCL is 0,39 kg/m3, QLMV and QLAV are both 0,42 kg/m3

>0,39 <0,42 apply one measure of next list >0,42 NOT ALLOWED

EN378-1:2016 C.3.2.4 Effect of flow down

Even if there is no refrigerating system on the lowest floor, where the largest system charge in the
building divided by the total volume of the lowest floor exceeds QLMV value, mechanical ventilation
shall be provided in accordance with EN 378-3:2016, 6.3

Basicly the above notes that you can take safety measures but have to pay good attention to
the basement floors and the type of installation in it. If you have hotel rooms in the basement
you should comply with <0,39 kg/m3

9
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

IV. Measures that can be applied

EN378-3:2016 6 Requirements for alternative provisions.

EN378-1:2016 6.3.2 Dilution transfer openings (air transfer openings for dilution) for natural
convection

Dilution transfer openings shall be provided in both high and low level locations. For these dilution
transfer openings, the sum of areas at high level and the sum of the areas at low level shall each be
at least the area as determined from Formula (2). This area may be divided into two or more
openings in each high and low location. These shall be located near the floor and near the ceiling
respectively. If the ceiling is suspended and the wall is not provided between the next rooms above
the ceiling then the upper opening is not necessary.

A=0,003 2 × m/(QLMV × V)

where

A is the required opening area, expressed in m2;

m is the refrigerant charge, expressed in kg;

V is the room volume, expressed in m3;

QLMV is the quantity limit with minimum ventilation as given in EN 378-1:2016, C.3.2 in kg/m3.

The lower edge of the lower opening shall be a height of 0,2 m or less from the floor. The upper edge
of the upper opening shall be equal to or higher than the upper edge of the door opening.

10
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

EN378-1:2016 6.3.3.1 Required airflow

For Q × RCL/10 < 1, the actual, not nominal, airflow of the mechanical ventilation shall be at least
the

quantity that satisfies Formula (3). For Q × RCL/10 ≥ 1 the airflow shall be determined according to
Formula (4)

10×𝑉 𝑄×𝑅𝐶𝐿
(3) 𝑚=− × 𝑙𝑛 (1 − )
𝑄 10

10
(4) 𝑄=
𝑅𝐶𝐿

where

m is the refrigerant charge in kg;

V is the room volume expressed in m3;
10 is the expected maximum leak rate, in kg/h;
Q is the ventilation airflow in m3/h;
RCL is the refrigerant concentration limit in kg/m3, as given in ISO 817.
NOTE “ln” means natural logarithm.
A simplified calculation is given in the following Formula. The airflow that satisfies this formula can
be employed

instead of the value obtained above. However as a consequence of the simplification, it provides a
higher airflow value.

10
𝑄=
𝑅𝐶𝐿
where

10 is the expected maximum leak rate, in kg/h;

Q is the ventilation airflow in m3/h;
RCL is the Refrigerant concentration limit in kg/m3, as given in ISO 817.

According to 6.3.3.1 you would need at least:

10/RCL = 10/0,39=25,64 m3/h

In terms of nominal airflow per room to operate above the RCL, QLMV or QLAV limit.

11
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

6.3.3.2 Mechanical ventilation openings

The lower edge of the mechanical ventilation opening shall be as low as possible, and no higher than
0,2 m from the floor.

Exhaust ventilation openings shall be located a sufficient distance from intake openings to prevent
recirculation to the occupied space. In addition to the opening for the extract ventilation, there shall
be openings in the room of at least the same opening area as the extract opening.

6.3.3.3 Operation of mechanical ventilation

Mechanical ventilation shall be operated continuously or shall be switched on by the detector in

accordance with Clause 9.

6.4 Safety shut off valves

Safety shut off valves are possible but request AE-engcenter@lge.com for more information as
there are pro’s and con’s to the solution.

12
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

8 Safety alarms

8.1 General

If alarms are employed to warn of a leak in the machinery room or the occupied space the alarm shall
warn of a refrigerant leak in accordance with 8.3. The alarm shall be turned on by the signal from the
detector in accordance with Clause 9. The alarm shall also alert an authorised person to take
appropriate action.

8.2 Alarm system power

In cases where an alarm system is installed the power source of the alarm system shall be from a
power source independent of the mechanical ventilation or other refrigerating systems which the
alarm system is protecting. NOTE Back up power using batteries can be used for the alarm system.

8.3 Alarm system warning

The alarm system shall warn both audibly and visibly such as both a loud (15 dB(A) above the
background level) buzzer and a flashing lamp. For a machinery room the alarm system shall warn
both inside and outside the machinery room. The alarm outside the machinery room may be installed
in a supervised location. For an occupied space the alarm system shall warn at least inside the
occupied space.

For access category a (see EN 378-1) the alarm system shall also warn at a supervised location such
as the night porter’s location as well as the occupied space.

13
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

9 Detectors

9.1 General

When the concentration of the refrigerant can exceed the practical limit in accordance with EN 378-
1:2016, Annex C, detectors shall at least actuate an alarm and in the case of the machinery room the
emergency mechanical ventilation. They shall conform to the requirements given in 9.2 to 9.4 as
appropriate.

9.2 Location of detectors

The location of detectors shall be chosen in relation to the refrigerant and they shall be located
where the refrigerant from the leak will concentrate. The positioning of the detector shall be done
with due consideration of local airflow patterns, accounting for location sources of ventilation and
louvers. Consideration shall also be given to the possibility of mechanical damage or contamination.

At least one detector shall be installed in each machinery room or the occupied space being
considered and/or at the lowest underground room for refrigerants heavier than air and at the
highest point for refrigerants lighter than air.

9.3 Type and performance of detectors

9.3.1 General

Any suitable detector may be used and shall give an electrical signal at the pre-set value of the
refrigerant or oxygen concentration (the pre-set value) that activates the shut-off valves, the alarm
system, the mechanical ventilation or other emergency controls. Detectors shall be continuously
monitored for functioning. In the case of a detector failure, the emergency sequence should be
activated as if refrigerant had been detected. The pre-set value for the refrigerant detector at 30 °C
or 0 °C, whichever is more critical, shall be set to 25 % of the LFL or 50 % of the ATEL/ODL,
whichever is the lower value, as given in EN 378-1:2016, Annex E. The pre-set value for the oxygen
deprivation detector shall be 18 % or higher. The sensitivity tolerance of the detector shall be
considered to ensure that the output signal is triggered at or below the pre-set value. The tolerance
of the detector shall take into account the ± 10 % of power line voltage tolerance.

An appropriate maintenance period shall be established for each type of detector used.

Oxygen deprivation sensors shall only be used for with systems containing A1 refrigerants except for
R-744. The detectors for monitoring halogenated refrigerants shall comply with EN 14624. In
addition, for all detectors the response time of the detector shall be 30 s or less at a concentration
of 1,6 times the preset value.

NOTE 1 Sensors may be affected by the presence of gas or vapour other than that the equipment is intended to detect.
Ensure that if sensors are used, this will not compromise the safety or integrity of the installation.

NOTE 2 EN 60079–29–2 specifies requirements for selection, installation, use and maintenance of detectors of
flammable gases.

14
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

V. Calculation of maximum charge

R410a

ATEL/ODL = 0,42 kg/m3

Practical Limit = 0,44 kg/m3 (see page 5)

In the past you were allowed to add ventilation to the room volume to calculate the maximum
amount of refrigeration charge. This has been deleted from the latest version.

EN378-2:2016

As R410 is an A1 classified refrigerant this cannot be taken into account anymore!

To calculate if you go over the refrigerant :

Total amount of refrigerant / room volume = < 0,44kg/m3

15 kg / 300 m3 = 0,05 kg/m3 (OK, System size is good)

15kg / 30m3 = 0,5 kg/m3 (NOT OK, System to big, not allowed, more than refrigeration charge limit)

15
 LGE CONFIDENTIAL ONLY

VI. Cautionary

The use of this document has been restricted as information only for
LGE EU members!
Sharing this information internally:

1. You can share this information with your LG local colleagues (subsidiary)
2. You are not allowed to modify this information without AE EU Engineering Center’s
permission.
3. No information should be released to a third party without prior consultation of AE EU
Engineering Center

16