This paper summarizes hot surface ignition characteristics of
R134a and R1234yf automotive air conditioning fluids on typical
under-hood automotive surfaces that possess sufficient heat to
ignite flammable or combustible fluids. It further investigates the
effect, if any, that these two different fluids may have on the
propagation of a fire in two identically equipped vehicles under
similar test conditions. This testing, in part, is in response to
the United States Environmental Protection Agency's proposal
which seeks comments concerning the proposed replacement of the
current R134a air conditioning refrigerant with R1234yf.
R134a is currently regarded as the global choice for automotive
air conditioning systems however the EPA classifies it as an
ozone-depleting substance (ODS) and is tasked with proposing and
reviewing alternatives that do not contribute to stratospheric
ozone depletion. R1234yf refrigerant is classified as a
non-ozone-depleting gas by the EPA and has been proposed as an
acceptable alternative to R134a through the authority of the Clean
Air Act and the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program.
The SNAP program sets forth criteria for the implementation of
R1234yf refrigerant and has indicated that the proposed alternative
refrigerant does not have to be risk free to be found acceptable
for use. European Union (EU) countries have developed Directive
2006/40/EC that mandates a 100-year CO₂ Global Warming Potential
(GWP) of less than 150. R134a is nearly 10 times this level with a
rating of 1430 GWP. R1234yf has a GWP rating of 4.0 or
approximately 0.3% of the current R134a refrigerant.
Hot surface ignition testing of R134a and R1234yf mixtures with
PAG 46 oil were evaluated in the first part of this paper. Typical
under-hood automotive surfaces at maximum operating temperatures
were established, along with a functional AC system to evaluate the
ignition characteristics of the refrigerant and lubricant mixtures.
Tightly controlled test parameters and conditions were utilized to
minimize test-to-test variation. The results obtained in this
testing were compared to the published autoignition properties of
the refrigerants and other automotive fluids. The second part of
this paper assesses the potential effects that the changing from
R134a to R1234yf may have on fire propagation in a motor
vehicle.
