Estimated 2017 refrigerant emissions of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf) in the United States resulting from automobile air conditioning.
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.
Papasavva
Stella
S
Stella Papasavva Consulting, Royal Oak, Michigan 48073, USA. greengem09@gmail.com
Luecken
Deborah J
DJ
Waterland
Robert L
RL
Taddonio
Kristen N
KN
Andersen
Stephen O
SO
D000335:Aerosol Propellants / Q000737:chemistry; D000389:Air Conditioning; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry*; D001336:Automobiles; D057231:Climate Change; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000737:chemistry*; D006845:Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated / Q000737:chemistry; D014481:United States; D001335:Vehicle Emissions; D004980:Ethane / Q000031:analogs & derivatives
D000335:Aerosol Propellants; D000393:Air Pollutants; D005466:Fluorocarbons; D006845:Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated; D001335:Vehicle Emissions; C063006:norflurane; D004980:Ethane; C528198:2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene