Vehicle Air Conditioning Systems to Get a Makeover
General Motors recently announced their 2013 models will use a new air conditioning refrigerant — a less potent greenhouse gas than the common refrigerant.
Currently the primary vehicle refrigerant in use is HFC-134a, which stays in the atmosphere for more than 13 years. HFC-134a is a hydrofluorocarbon — a potent gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.
Also referred to as a high global warming potential gas (GWP), the refrigerant was introduced in 2007 and is 1,400 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) in terms of its capability to trap heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period.
The European Union has banned HFC-134a as of 2011, requiring all vehicles going forward to use refrigerants with a global warming potential below 150. This transition is expected to be completed by 2017.
The new refrigerant, HFO-1234yf, has a 99.7 percent lower GWP than HFC-134a, a mere 11 days of atmospheric life, and a GWP of 4. 
Meanwhile, DuPont and Honeywell have teamed up in order to produce a large supply before the EU’s ban.
The efficiency of the air conditioning system is dependent upon which refrigerant is used because it impacts the energy required to power the system.
The energy powering the air conditioning system comes from the vehicle’s engine, so its efficiency impacts the greenhouse gas emissions of the vehicle.
But is the new refrigerant safe?
It is mildly flammable (HFC-134a is not flammable), however less flammable when compared to other materials found in automobiles.
Some advocates are opposed to HFO-1234yf, claiming it can be dangerous if accidentally vented into the vehicle or in the instance of a crash.
While this may be true, other materials used in automobiles can be dangerous — including car exhaust. Exhaust produces CO2, which is both deadly when inhaled and very flammable.
An SAE International Cooperative Research Program found the chemical is safe for vehicles designed to use it.
Switching a vehicle’s system to use HFO-1234yf involves some minor adjustments and there are service differences for these new refrigerant systems. For instance, mechanics will need to purchase new equipment as well as receive new training for checking the other oils used within the car to confirm they are compatible.
Another refrigerant alternative to the current HFC-134a system would be to switch vehicles to use CO2 for air conditioning.
The catch with switching to CO2 is that it would require installing completely new systems rather than making minor adjustments, and auto makers would have to purchase new manufacturing equipment.
Chemical & Engineering News reports the German Association of the Automotive Industry supports the new refrigerant, despite previously stating it would switch to CO2 because it’s less hassle.
Until Next Time,
Angela Guss
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