Search Results

This paper summarizes hot surface ignition characteristics of R134a and R1234yf automotive air conditioning fluids on typical under-hood automotive surfaces that possess sufficient heat to ignite flammable or combustible fluids. It further investigates the effect, if any, that these two different fluids may have on the propagation of a fire in two identically equipped vehicles under similar test conditions. This testing, in part, is in response to the United States Environmental Protection Agency's proposal which seeks comments concerning the proposed replacement of the current R134a air conditioning refrigerant with R1234yf. R134a is currently regarded as the global choice for automotive air conditioning systems however the EPA classifies it as an ozone-depleting substance (ODS) and is tasked with proposing and reviewing alternatives that do not contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion.