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Low GWP refrigerant for buses and trains air conditioning.

Refrigerantes de bajo GWP para el aire acondicionado de los autobuses y trenes.

Author(s) : ACHAICHIA N., SAN ROMÁN M.

Type of article: Article

Summary

Due to increased pressure to address the issue of global warming, the European Commission through the MAC directive has effectively banned the use of R-134a refrigerant in air conditioning in new car platforms in EU countries starting January 1, 2011. The F-gas regulation is expected to be reviewed and its potential extension to other Transportation systems cannot be ruled out. Honeywell embarked upon a research program to identify fourth generation fluorocarbon chemistry that would incorporate the desired environmental properties, that is, low global warming potential (GWP) with respect to climate change, while maintaining desirable properties and high performance characteristics. Meeting the requirements outlined in the MAC directive requires GWP less than 150. Honeywell identified HFO-1234yf as a new low global warming refrigerant (GWP=4) which has been selected by the auto-industry as a global sustainable solution for automotive air conditioning. HFO-1234yf has properties similar to R134a; it can be a potential candidate to replace R134a in many other applications, including public transport systems, such as buses, coaches and trains. Another low GWP molecule HFO1234ze (E) has been identified and is currently commercialized by Honeywell for foam, aerosol and refrigeration applications. It is a highly energy efficient HFO molecule, with a GWP of only 6. Both of these new molecules, either as a pure substance or as a blend are a part of the fourth generation fluorocarbon technology that Honeywell is developing and investigating. Although today’s legislation does not apply to trains and buses, trias are in progress to identify HFO based technology, to lower the environmental impact of public transport vehicles. Several bench and field trials are in progress. Results are encouraging; indicating that HFO based technology can potentially replace existing refrigerants with little or no modification to existing AC systems.

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Format PDF

Pages: 34-36

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Details

  • Original title: Refrigerantes de bajo GWP para el aire acondicionado de los autobuses y trenes.
  • Record ID : 30009433
  • Languages: Spanish
  • Source: Frío Calor Aire acondicionado - vol. 40 - n. 450
  • Publication date: 2012/09

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