CO2 Air Conditioning System Currently, hydrofluorocarbon 134a (HFC-134a) is widely used as refrigerant for air conditioners. Although this substance does not harm the ozone layer, it does have a high global warming potential (GWP). Converting HFC-134a to a substance having no or very low GWP is essential to prevent global warming.

DENSO Technology – Leading the World

As a leader in the field of air conditioners, DENSO has been at the forefront of environmental technology. In 2002, DENSO introduced the world’s first carbon dioxide (CO₂) air conditioning system for Toyota’s fuel cell hybrid vehicle (FCHV-4). The GWP of CO₂ is extremely low – about 1/1,300 of that of HFC-134a.

In 1992, DENSO converted the refrigerant, chlorofluorocarbon (CFC-12) that harms the ozone layer, to HFC-134. DENSO continues working to develop more environmentally friendly and comfortable air conditioners, contributing to people and society.

Features of CO₂ refrigerant

• The GWP of CO₂ is extremely low – about 1/1,300 of that of HFC-134a. Therefore, even if CO₂ is leaked from an air conditioner, the effect on the environment is negligible.
• CO₂ has an excellent heating capacity and can be used for a heat-pump system. This feature is effective especially for electric or hybrid vehicles that do not have a heat source sufficient for heating the cabin.
• CO₂ has an operation pressure that is seven to 10 times higher than that of HFC-134a, and thus requires more robust components than the HFC-134a system.

CO₂ Air Conditioning System for FCHV

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