Emission reduction of non-CO2 greenhouse gases used as refrigerant

Abstract

Non-CO₂ Greenhouse gases, in particular CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs, are the main refrigerants used in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment. This kind of equipment traditionally leaks significantly (10 to 40% of the content on a yearly base) during operational life. At end of life, the refrigerant content traditionally emits directly into atmosphere. As a result, significant atmospheric emissions occur. Reduction of refrigerant emissions from refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment can be achieved in five ways: by substitution with other less harmful substances; by using alternative technologies nut requiring this kind of refrigerants; by avoiding emission through improved leak tightness, by reducing the required refrigerant content of a system and by containment on disposal (recovery, recycling or destruction). A balanced combination of all these options will optimally contribute to the reduction of emissions. The sometimes conflicting relation with the ozone depletion issue, for which HFC refrigerants are the solution, and the combined effects on direct CO₂ emissions (Total Equivalent Warming Impact TEWI), shall be considered carefully.