| Delphi is developing alternative refrigerant
air conditioning systems to support the best option for the environment
and its customers. While still improving energy efficiency, these options
will significantly reduce the atmospheric effect of direct refrigerant
emissions because they are gases with lower global warming potentials.
Although automotive air conditioning accounts for less than five
per cent of total vehicle global warming potential and the current refrigerant,
R134a, contributes less than 0.4 percent of total global warming gas emissions
in Europe, worldwide concern over the impact of HFCs such as R134a caused
us to search for alternative refrigerants," said Stefan Glober, Delphi
Thermal & Interior director of engineering, Europe & South America.
"We believe it's best to reduce the impact of automotive air conditioning
on the environment by comprehending the interaction between environmental
and industry factors," he said. "Delphi is actively
undertaking a robust evaluation of multiple options in order to meet our
customers' changing needs."
Delphi's analysis shows that air conditioning systems using either CO2
or R152a comparably reduce the impact on the environment, Glober said.
The company considers both coolants as viable options for the future.
Its CO2 and R152a test vehicles were the best-performing entries in the
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) alternative refrigerant workshop
held in Phoenix, Ariz., in 2003.
R-152a (GWP 120 - 140) R-152a is a promising alternative because of its
chemical and thermodynamic similarity to R-134a, Glober said. Although
an HFC refrigerant, R152a has a global warming potential rating (GWP 120
-140) that is 90 per cent lower than the current R134a (GWP 1300). Its
improved cooling efficiency also has energy saving advantages, particularly
in hot climates.
CO2 is also a promising candidate, according to Glober. It has a global
warming potential rating of just 1.0 and is naturally occurring in the
atmosphere. It has a comparable life cycle climate performance to R152a
and provides an acceptable level of cooling performance.
CO2 also operates more efficiently in the heat pump mode compared to HFCs.
In terms of potential cost, a switch to CO2 likely presents higher development,
manufacturing and service investment than would R152a, which can be used
in adapted current-style systems.
Although CO2 and R152a represent the best current options for future mobile
air conditioning systems, each present challenges that must be addressed
by the automotive industry, Glober said.
"Under our Environmental Principles, Delphi is committed to vigorously
pursuing the development and implementation of technologies to minimise
pollutant emissions. Delphi will continue to support its customer requirements
around the globe while offering more environmentally-friendly automotive
air conditioning systems."
See also Valeo develops environmentally-friendly
R744 air conditioning system
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