Estimated 2017 refrigerant emissions of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf) in the United States resulting from automobile air conditioning

Environ Sci Technol. 2009 Dec 15;43(24):9252-9. doi: 10.1021/es902124u.

Abstract

In response to recent regulations and concern over climate change, the global automotive community is evaluating alternatives to the current refrigerant used in automobile air conditioning units, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, HFC-134a. One potential alternative is 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf, also known as HFO-1234yf). We have developed a spatially and temporally resolved inventory of likely future HFC refrigerant emissions from the U.S. vehicle fleet in 2017, considering regular, irregular, servicing, and end-of-life leakages. We estimate the annual leak rate emissions for each leakage category for a projected 2017 U.S. vehicle fleet by state, and spatially apportion these leaks to a 36 km square grid over the continental United States. This projected inventory is a necessary first step in analyzing for potential atmospheric and ecosystem effects, such as ozone and trifluoroacetic acid production, that might result from widespread replacement of HFC-134a with HFC-1234yf.

MeSH terms

  • Aerosol Propellants / chemistry
  • Air Conditioning*
  • Air Pollutants / chemistry*
  • Automobiles*
  • Climate Change
  • Fluorocarbons / chemistry*
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated / chemistry
  • United States
  • Vehicle Emissions*

Substances

  • Aerosol Propellants
  • Air Pollutants
  • Fluorocarbons
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated
  • Vehicle Emissions
  • norflurane
  • 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene