Mobile Air Conditioning and CFC's - An Update

In response to the problem of stratospheric ozone layer depletion, the United Nations Environmental Program has enacted a protocol which places restrictions on the future production and consumption of CFC's. This protocol has been widely ratified throughout the world and further discussions are underway to increase the stringency of its provisions. Automotive air conditioning systems use the compound CFC-12 as a refrigerant and the proposed restrictions will significantly impact this vehicle option. This presentation will provide an update into the issue of automotive air conditioning and the CFC problem. The latest international regulations will be described. The presentation will then review general findings related to the application of new, environmentally-safe, refrigerant R-134a in vehicle air conditioning systems. The implications of higher pressure characteristics will be shown, as well as the various considerations involving lubricants, materials, and component design.