AC refrigerant in cars,greenhouse effect reasoning

In summary, the conversation discusses two popular refrigerants, R134a and R1234yf, and the difference in their Greenhouse Effect (GWP) ratings. While R134a has a GWP of 1430, R1234yf has a much lower rating of 4. The conversation also touches on the misconception that the number of carbon atoms in a compound directly affects its GWP, when in reality GWP is a measure of how much energy a compound absorbs compared to the same mass of CO2. For more information, please reference the Wikipedia page on Global Warming Potential.
  • #1
marellasunny
255
3
I'm a mechanical engineer and am learning about the different refrigerants used.
2 of them seem to be the most popular- R134a(C2H2F4) and R1234yf(C3H2F4).

Why is it that R134a is rated at a Greenhouse effect(GWP) of 1430 where R1234yf is rated at a GWP of 4?

Both refrigerants produce CO2,I assume.Won't R1234yf produce more of it considering it has more carbon atoms?
 
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  • #2
It seems you are misunderstanding the concept of a GWP. I wasn't aware of how this rating is measured/calculated but a quick Google/Wikipedia excursion revealed that GWP is not related to the production of CO2 by a given compound, but is a measure of how much EM energy a given compound will absorb in a certain amount of time relative to the same mass of CO2. The CO2 appears to be arbitrarily set to 1 as a reference.

See the Wikipedia for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global-warming_potential
 
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FAQ: AC refrigerant in cars,greenhouse effect reasoning

1. What is AC refrigerant and how does it work in a car?

AC refrigerant is a chemical compound used in car air conditioning systems to absorb heat from the surrounding air. It works by circulating through the system and changing from a liquid to a gas, absorbing heat in the process and cooling down the air that is blown into the car.

2. How does AC refrigerant contribute to the greenhouse effect?

AC refrigerant contains hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which are potent greenhouse gases. When released into the atmosphere, they trap heat and contribute to the overall warming of the Earth's surface, known as the greenhouse effect.

3. Is there a more environmentally friendly alternative to AC refrigerant in cars?

Yes, there are alternatives such as hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide that have a lower impact on the environment. However, they may not be as efficient or cost-effective as HFCs, which is why they are still widely used in car AC systems.

4. How can we reduce the impact of AC refrigerant on the environment?

One way to reduce the impact is by properly maintaining and repairing car AC systems to prevent leakage of refrigerant. Additionally, using more environmentally friendly alternatives and properly disposing of old refrigerant can also help reduce the impact.

5. Is the use of AC refrigerant in cars regulated?

Yes, the use of AC refrigerant in cars is regulated by government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States. These regulations aim to reduce the use and emissions of HFCs and promote the use of more environmentally friendly alternatives.

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