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Expert analyses refrigerant choice |
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R744 (CO2) in Mobile Air Conditioning should be the preferred option for the auto industry, as the natural refrigerant shows superior environmental and technical performance, as well as cost-efficiency, according to a German research institute.
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2007-04-24
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Using R744 in Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) would make a future switch to other refrigerants and systems unnecessary as the natural substance can serve as long-term solution due to its excellent environmental and technical performance. Initial costs that may accompany the introduction of R744 systems will be offset by low costs for the refrigerant itself and a fast introduction of already advanced CO2 technology.
These are key conclusions from Prof. Dr. Johannes Reichelt from the German research institute TWK, in an article recently published by "KI", a German journal for refrigeration professionals. Given that the EU will phase out refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of more than 150 by 2011, Reichelt's article explores the viability of alternative refrigerants in terms of performance, cost-efficiency and environmental impact to replace the current fluid HFC-134a.
Some key findings:
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R744 – a proven long-term solution
Reichelt confirms that R744 MAC is the only system that could also serve as an additional heating device. Its intense heat pump function makes CO2 the optimal choice for cars equipped with modern engines that do not produce enough waste heat. In addition, the natural refrigerant is globally available at lowest costs and does not require disposal at the vehicle's end of life, therefore making it a solution in the long run.
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Investments in R744 have to pay off
During the last 5-10 years suppliers and research institutes worldwide have worked on CO2 Technology for car climate systems. It is estimated that about €500 million have been invested so far in the development of energy-efficient R744 systems, with German carmakers alone accounting for 20% of the total.
Non-natural alternatives
Given that an early decision for the next-generation refrigerant has to be taken this summer, Reichelt insists that new chemical substances still have to undergo extensive toxicity tests, which will take about 3 years. Carmakers, however, have tight timelines to implement alternative options by 2011. In addition, unsolved questions in terms of stability, material compatibility, environmental impact and energy efficiency puts the use of these fluids into question.
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More information:
 Article TWK in: KI - Kälte, Luft, Klimatechnik, Edition 2007/04 (GERMAN) (2.7 MB)
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