The development of a new global refrigerant to replace HFC-134a (or R-134a) continues as worldwide regulations change and deadlines are set.
The European Union, Japan and United States are all reviewing new mobile air conditioning regulations that require all-new vehicles in the near future to use a mobile A/C refrigerant with a GWP (Global Warming Potential) below 150, although there is not agreement on any one refrigerant for worldwide use in all countries. The Japanese government, however, recently did approve the use of a new refrigerant.
Current mobile air conditioning systems using HFC-134a have a GWP of 1,410. Two of the potential refrigerants currently being tested include R-744 (CO2) and HFO-1234yf, both of which have a much lower GWP.
Classified as a greenhouse gas, CO2 obtained as a by-product of other industrial processes is actually the least damaging refrigerant possible. R-744 has a GWP of 1.
The service industry would be significantly affected by the use of R-744, which requires higher operating pressures and more complex A/C systems. As a result, service centers would need specialized training and equipment to handle the high pressures as well as adherence to strict safety procedures.
Operating pressures, chemistry and other qualities of HFO-1234yf -- developed jointly by Honeywell and DuPont -- are similar to those of HFC-134a. This would enable manufacturers to use the new refrigerant with almost all of the industry's existing mobile A/C technology. HFO-1234yf has a GWP of 4.
One problem with HFO-1234yf is that it is classified as "mildly flammable," meaning that it can be ignited and it will burn. However, the conditions required for ignition are very specific and the flame temperature is relatively low. The refrigerant has undergone significant testing by many independent groups, including the SAE International Cooperative Research Program, for both safety and effectiveness.
Honeywell recently announced that HFO-1234yf had been examined for import and use by several Japanese regulatory authorities. Japan's Chemical Substances Control Law mandates the evaluation of new chemical substances before they are manufactured or imported to Japan. After receiving the study results, the government of Japan will permit the refrigerant to be imported without restriction and will not impose any controls or special monitoring on the chemical.
Japan's approval of HFO-1234yf is seen as a significant step toward developing a global refrigerant that can be used worldwide and still comply with each nation's individual environmental and safety laws.
For more information on the latest air conditioning technology, contact your local ACDelco distributor to learn when the ACDelco Emerging A/C Technology
and Service seminar will be held in your area.
- Thanks to Mike Militello and MACS
The European Union, Japan and United States are all reviewing new mobile air conditioning regulations that require all-new vehicles in the near future to use a mobile A/C refrigerant with a GWP (Global Warming Potential) below 150, although there is not agreement on any one refrigerant for worldwide use in all countries. The Japanese government, however, recently did approve the use of a new refrigerant.
Current mobile air conditioning systems using HFC-134a have a GWP of 1,410. Two of the potential refrigerants currently being tested include R-744 (CO2) and HFO-1234yf, both of which have a much lower GWP.
Classified as a greenhouse gas, CO2 obtained as a by-product of other industrial processes is actually the least damaging refrigerant possible. R-744 has a GWP of 1.
The service industry would be significantly affected by the use of R-744, which requires higher operating pressures and more complex A/C systems. As a result, service centers would need specialized training and equipment to handle the high pressures as well as adherence to strict safety procedures.
Operating pressures, chemistry and other qualities of HFO-1234yf -- developed jointly by Honeywell and DuPont -- are similar to those of HFC-134a. This would enable manufacturers to use the new refrigerant with almost all of the industry's existing mobile A/C technology. HFO-1234yf has a GWP of 4.
One problem with HFO-1234yf is that it is classified as "mildly flammable," meaning that it can be ignited and it will burn. However, the conditions required for ignition are very specific and the flame temperature is relatively low. The refrigerant has undergone significant testing by many independent groups, including the SAE International Cooperative Research Program, for both safety and effectiveness.
Honeywell recently announced that HFO-1234yf had been examined for import and use by several Japanese regulatory authorities. Japan's Chemical Substances Control Law mandates the evaluation of new chemical substances before they are manufactured or imported to Japan. After receiving the study results, the government of Japan will permit the refrigerant to be imported without restriction and will not impose any controls or special monitoring on the chemical.
Japan's approval of HFO-1234yf is seen as a significant step toward developing a global refrigerant that can be used worldwide and still comply with each nation's individual environmental and safety laws.
For more information on the latest air conditioning technology, contact your local ACDelco distributor to learn when the ACDelco Emerging A/C Technology
and Service seminar will be held in your area.
- Thanks to Mike Militello and MACS
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