Burning issues in air conditioning

HyChill is the first hydrocarbon refrigerant brand in the world to be used by an OEM. After more than twenty years of supplying the automotive industry, HyChill is the first hydrocarbon refrigerant brand to be fitted by an OEM. European Avia trucks, which are soon to go on sale through OKA Australia's parent company Reymer, will also be equipped with HyChill refrigerants.

Hydrocarbon air conditioning has been largely ignored by the automotive industry because of its flammable nature. With 134a being phased out and becoming increasingly expensive, the next chemical refrigerant that has been developed is 1234yf. As this is also flammable, HyChill feels that finally the significantly more environmentally friendly hydrocarbon refrigerant's day has come.

 “This is an Australian natural hydrocarbon refrigerant being adopted by an Australian motor vehicle design and manufacturing company, providing a solution which is proven safe, provides world-beating cost and performance characteristic and sets new standards in minimising the environmental footprint of automotive air conditioning,” said Hychill director John Clark.

Reymer Head of Marketing and Business Development, Andy Granger, said compared to fluorinated gas alternatives, the vastly increased chilling performance of HyChill Minus 30EC refrigerant has many advantages for a commercial vehicle manufacturer.

“For example, we are confronted with increasing levels of heat rejection from engines – an unfortunate side effect of making engines more emissions friendly,” he said.

“The engine and cooling system are directly below the driver’s cab so ultimately some of that heat ends up soaking into the cab structure – the increased performance of HyChill more than compensates.”
 
The following Today, Tonight programme (approx seven minutes), so far only aired in Adelaide, examines the pros and cons of hydrocarbon and fluorinated based refrigerants. It is well worth watching to understand the differences between 1234yf and hydrocarbon refrigerants and to assess risks associated with using them.

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