SAE International seeks input on CO2 as a referigerant

In response to a recent press statement from Germany that CO₂ is the "right" automotive air-conditioning refrigerant, SAE International President Frank O. Klegon invites all automobile manufacturers to join in an industry collaborative effort to fully evaluate CO₂ in such use. He said SAE International has unquestioned expertise in the research, analysis, and application of a variety of automotive refrigerants. In the past decade, more than 10 major SAE Cooperative Research Program (CRP) projects have provided forums for subject matter experts from around the industry to meet, discuss, and agree on advantages and disadvantages of various alternative refrigerants, as well as the management of accompanying risks. "The implementation of CO₂ as an automotive refrigerant is not without technical challenges," said Klegon. The U.S. EPA has published its concerns regarding the use of CO₂ as a mobile air conditioning refrigerant for passenger cars. The full EPA report can be accessed here. OEMs wishing to join a new SAE CRP to further investigate CO₂ should contact Gary Pollak at 1-724-772-7196 or gary@sae.org.