Carbon dioxide as the replacement for synthetic refrigerants in mobile air conditioning

Abstract

Based on Kyoto Protocol and the decisions of European Commission R134a refrigerant, currently dominantly used in mobile air conditioning systems, needs to be phased-out. At present automotive industry looks at carbon dioxide (CO2; R744) as the refrigerant of the future. Apart from the environmental benefits discussed are the technical characteristics of carbon dioxide refrigeration cycle and mobile air-conditioning systems in comparison to R134a refrigerant. Analyzed are challenges emerged from the use of CO2 as refrigerant and improvement opportunities in regards to increase of the system performance and efficiency. Particular attention is dedicated to the advantages of CO2 utilization in prospective automotive heat pump systems.