AC Refrigerant To Know: Types, Functions, and Maintenance
What is AC Refrigerant?
AC refrigerant is an essential working medium of any air conditioning compressor. It’s a chemical compound that absorbs heat from interior spaces and releases it outdoors to maintain a cool and comfortable indoor environment. Without refrigerant, an AC unit would be rendered non-functional.
How AC Refrigerant Works
1) When the air conditioner works, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas is sucked into the compressor and pressurized to be high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas.
2) The refrigerant gas at a high temperature and pressure flows through the condenser. The outdoor heat exchanger releases heat and transforms it into a liquid at medium temperature and high pressure (the outdoor circulating air dissipates the heat).
3) The medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid is then reduced in pressure through capillary expansion to become a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid. The liquid refrigerant passes through the evaporator (indoor unit copper tube) to absorb heat and evaporates to become a low-temperature and low-pressure gas again. Then the refrigerant gas sucks into the compressor to begin the new refrigeration cycle.
Common AC Refrigerants
Several AC refrigerants are available, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. The most commonly used refrigerants include R-22, R-410A, and R-32. R-22, also known as Freon, some of which are being phased out due to its detrimental environmental impact. R-410A, a more environmentally friendly alternative, is a widely used refrigerant. R-32, the newest option, offers superior efficiency and is gaining traction in the market.
Two Categories of AC Refrigerant
Sometimes, we divide AC refrigerants into Home AC refrigerants and Car AC refrigerants.
Home AC Refrigerant
Modern residential air conditioning systems primarily use refrigerants such as R-410A, R-32, R-290, R-134a, R-600a, R-454B, and R-1234yf. With increasing environmental regulations, low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants like R-32, R-290, and R-1234yf gradually replace high-GWP options.
R-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane, HCFC-22)
Characteristics: Once widely used, R22 is harmful to the ozone layer;
Current Status: R22 has been phased out under the Montreal Protocol, and many countries are banning its use in most equipment;
R-410A
Characteristics: R410A is an ozone-friendly blend of R-32 and R-125 with a high GWP;
Applications: The most common refrigerant in residential AC systems is replacing R-22;
R-32 (Difluoromethane, HFC-32)
Characteristics: R32 refrigerant has lower GWP, high energy efficiency, and better environmental performance than R-410A;
Applications: HFC-32 mainly uses in new residential AC systems, particularly in Asian markets;
R-290 (Propane, HC-290)
Characteristics: R290 refrigerant is a natural refrigerant with extremely low GWP and excellent environmental performance, but it is flammable;
Applications: We use HC-290 primarily in small residential AC units and portable air conditioners;
R-134a (Tetrafluoroethane, HFC-134a)
Characteristics: Ozone-friendly but with a high GWP;
Applications: Mainly used in automotive AC systems, with limited use in residential AC;
R-600a (Isobutane, HC-600a)
Characteristics: R600a is a natural refrigerant with very low GWP and excellent environmental performance, but flammable;
Applications: Commonly used in refrigerators and small cooling devices, with some use in residential AC;
R-454B
Characteristics: R454B blends with R-32 and R-123yf with lower GWP and better environmental performance than R-410A;
Applications: Gradually being adopted in new residential AC systems;
R-1234yf (Tetrafluoropropene, HFO-1234yf)
Characteristics: Extremely low GWP and excellent environmental performance;
Applications: Primarily used in automotive AC systems, with potential future use in residential AC.
Car AC Refrigerant
Automotive air conditioning systems have undergone several refrigerant transitions. The primary refrigerants currently in use include:
R-134a (Tetrafluoroethane, HFC-134a)
Characteristics: Ozone-friendly but with a high GWP.
Applications: Once widely used, more environmentally friendly alternatives are now being replaced.
R-1234yf (Tetrafluoropropene, HFO-1234yf)
Characteristics: Extremely low GWP and excellent environmental performance are the primary replacements for R-134a.
Applications: This refrigerant has been used in most modern vehicles.
R-744 (Carbon Dioxide, CO₂)
Characteristics: R744 is a natural refrigerant with a very low GWP and excellent environmental performance but requires high operating pressures.
Applications: People use R744 mainly in some high-end and electric vehicles.
R-12 (Dichlorodifluoromethane, CFC-12)
Characteristics: Once widely used but highly damaging to the ozone layer.
Current Status: Completely phased out under the Montreal Protocol.
R-152a (Difluoroethane, HFC-152a)
Characteristics: R152a with lower GWP and better environmental performance, but it is flammable.
Applications: 152a is used in some specialized vehicles and experimental applications.
Blended Refrigerants
Characteristics: HFC-152a mixes various refrigerants designed to balance performance and environmental requirements.
Applications: R152a refrigerant is used by some automotive manufacturers to meet specific needs.
AC Refrigerant Leak Detection
Pressure Testing: Connect a pressure gauge to the system’s high-pressure valve. A static pressure reading above 0.6MPa may indicate a refrigerant shortage, prompting further leak detection;
Oil Residue Inspection: Since R-22 refrigerant is miscible with compressor oil, leaks often leave behind oil traces, which can help identify leakage points;
Visual Inspection: Examine pipelines, joints, condensers, and evaporators for oil stains or noticeable signs of leakage.
Electronic Leak Detectors: Use electronic detectors to identify minor leaks, with audible alarms indicating leakage points;
Fluorescent Leak Detection: Inject fluorescent dye into the system and use UV light to locate leaks, which will glow under the light;
Soap Solution Test: Apply soapy water to key components; bubbling indicates a leak.
AC Refrigerant Maintenance
Routine Check-ups: Regular maintenance and inspections can go a long way in preventing refrigerant leaks and other common issues;
Professional Maintenance: Since handling these repairs requires specific expertise, it’s always best to call in certified technicians to get the job done correctly;
Seal and Test: After recharging the refrigerant, it is important to perform pressure and seal tests to ensure everything is correct and leak-free.
Vacuuming and Refrigerant Recharge: After repairing leaks, vacuum the system to remove air and moisture, then recharge with the appropriate refrigerant.
Component Replacement: If parts are severely aged or damaged, replace them with new components such as compressors or condensers.
Environmental Impact of AC Refrigerant
The environmental impact of AC refrigerants includes ozone layer depletion, greenhouse gas effects, and water and soil pollution.
Ozone Layer Depletion: Early refrigerants like CFCs and HCFCs have been proven to deplete the ozone layer. When these substances break down in the atmosphere, they release chlorine atoms that react with ozone, thinning the protective coating. The ozone layer protects the people of Earth from harmful UV radiation, reducing risks of skin cancer and cataracts.
Greenhouse Effect: Leaked refrigerants, particularly those with high GWP, like HFCs, contribute to global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere. For example, R-134a has a GWP of 1430, making it 1400 times more harmful than carbon dioxide.
Water and Soil Pollution: Refrigerant leaks can contaminate water and soil. Some refrigerants decompose into toxic substances like hydrogen fluoride and fluorides, harming aquatic life and ecosystems. Soil contamination from leaks can also disrupt soil ecosystems and affect crop growth.
Over the years, air conditioning refrigerants, whether for home ac refrigerant or car ac refrigerant have made significant progress regarding refrigeration efficiency and environmental protection. From the manufacturers’ perspective, the ecological protection of refrigerants is a further consideration; users or service providers should choose the air conditioning refrigerant that suits them according to their actual situation or cost issues.
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