The refrigerant R1234yf gas is widely used in the air conditioning of new cars. It has replaced the refrigerant R134a owing to its low environmental impact and excellent thermodynamic performance.
R1234yf was developed to meet the requirements of EU Directive 2006/40/EC. Under this Directive, a vehicle type approved in 2011 or later, or put into service in 2017, must use a refrigerant with a GWP < 150.
The servicing interval for R1234yf in car air-conditioning systems does not change. The recommended interval is 2 years.
It has also been estimated that, for many years to come, more vehicles using R134a refrigerant than vehicles using R1234yf refrigerant will continue to circulate on our roads. – During the transition phase, the flammability of R1234yf caused resistance and concern among car manufacturers. Carbon dioxide was considered a better option.
R1234yf gas applications and use
Automotive A/C systems, air conditioning.
R1234yf gas is a highly flammable refrigerant and is therefore not a direct replacement gas for R134a systems. The new refrigerant in the service device also causes changes in its combustion properties.
However, R1234yf only self-ignites at 405 °C. Passenger cars contain only a few hundred grams of this refrigerant. In practice, the gas requires a flame from elsewhere to ignite it (Source: Tukes, Group Manager Markus Kauppinen, Aamulehti, 7 December 2016). R1234yf replaces the refrigerant R134a.
Alternative refrigerants to R1234yf gas
A future replacement for R1234yf is, for example, carbon dioxide CO2 / R744.
