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EPA to Sponsor Low Global Warming Air-Conditioning Project
18 April 2007
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will sponsor a demonstration project for R-152a, a refrigerant for mobile air conditioners with lower global warming potential (GWP) than R-134a.
Kristen Taddonio, EPA Strategic Climate Manager, made the announcement during the SAE World Congress in Detroit.
R-152a has a GWP of 120 which is about 94% less than R134a (GWP = 1,300). In addition to lower GWP, R-152a has better thermal efficiency. With improved thermal efficiency, a lower system charge may be used in a direct expansion system to achieve satisfactory cabin cooling.
The main drawback of R-152a is that it is flammable and thermally decomposes to highly toxic HF (Hydrogen Fluoride) if exposed to a glowing filament. In liquid form, it can be ignited with open flame and therefore may pose some hazard to occupants. If it is used in the cooling circuit in the cabin, a system using sensors and safety releases must be included to guard against unwanted discharge.
Participants in the EPA project include SAE, Delphi, GM, Ford, Volvo, Fiat, the Mobile A/C Society and NREL.
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Comments
who has the patent on R152a?
Propane has a gwp of 20. Flammability and was the reason we have R134 instead. R134 is an inefficient refrigerant and should be eliminated as soon as practical.
Posted by: John Schreiber | Apr 18, 2007 8:35:14 PM
Hydrogen Flouride!?
Can anyone name a more dangerous substance?
JRod.
Posted by: JRod | Apr 18, 2007 11:08:13 PM
Depleted Uranium?
Posted by: Bike Commuter Dude | Apr 19, 2007 10:21:15 AM
Polonium-210. Ask the KGB for a Polo-tini!
Posted by: LochDhu | Apr 19, 2007 11:21:18 AM
