SAE International MRB CRP Announces Completion of Cooperative Research for a New Low GWP Blended Refrigerant
Warrendale, Pa. (PRWEB) November 06, 2013 -- The SAE MAC Refrigerant Blend Cooperative Research Program [MRB CRP] has continued its assessment of the operating, technical, and safety performance of low GWP refrigerants. At meetings held in Troy, Michigan, on 20-21 October, all outstanding aspects of the project were reviewed. Significant details concerning the project were subsequently presented at the SAE Thermal Management System Symposium [TMSS], held in the same location during the following three days.
The team reviewed the status of the development work for both production fill and service fill equipment for the blended refrigerant AC6 (R-445A).
The prototype machine for production factory fill, developed by Cinetic Filling, has now successfully undergone trials at Cinetic Filling’s site in Nantes, France. Vehicle trials with from one to three heat exchangers were completed, showing a total cycle filling time comparable to that of R-134a. The accuracy of charge amounts and concentration for the blend refrigerant were also confirmed. Development of this equipment is now considered complete.
Trial results of service fill equipment developed by TEXA and Bosch were reviewed. These tests were completed in both Europe and the USA. Further confirmatory tests have been scheduled for November. These trials will address some items for improvement of the equipment and the process for service. The design and manufacture of this equipment for reliably filling a car a/c system with a service charge of blended refrigerant R-445A has been established and the tests scheduled will confirm the process.
Additionally during this meeting the MRB CRP team reviewed the final Phase 3 fault tree analysis. This review included modifications to address an independent assessment of the fault tree analysis which had been undertaken by Health and Safety Laboratory, Derbyshire, UK. A detailed sensitivity analysis of relevant aspects of the risk assessment was also completed during the meeting. The team feels that this independent review provides added strength to the fault tree analysis and a discussion of this will be incorporated into the final risk assessment report.
The following presentations concerning the low GWP blended refrigerants developed by MRB CRP were given at 2013 TMSS event:
- “MAC Refrigerant Blend Cooperative Research Program Update”
- “MRB CRP Phase III Risk Assessment”
- “Optimization of heat transfer for high glide blend refrigerants in MAC heat exchangers”
- “Service Issues related to using blend refrigerant in MAC”
- “Factory Fill Process for three component blend refrigerants”
The SAE MAC Refrigerant Blend Cooperative Research Program [MRB CRP] is comprised of a group of leading global vehicle OEMs plus Tier One MACS system, service equipment and component suppliers. The members of this CRP are: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions , Chrysler, Cinetic Filling, Daimler, Denso, Doowon, Ford, General Motors, Halla Visteon Climate Control, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Mahle, Mexichem, Nissan, PSA, Renault, SAIC Motors, Sanden, Schrader International, TEXA, Volvo Cars.
SAE International is a global association committed to being the ultimate knowledge source for the engineering profession. By uniting over 138,000 engineers and technical experts, we drive knowledge and expertise across a broad spectrum of industries. We act on two priorities: encouraging a lifetime of learning for mobility engineering professionals and setting the standards for industry engineering. We strive for a better world through the work of our charitable arm, the SAE Foundation, including programs like A World in Motion® and the Collegiate Design Series™.
Shawn Andreassi, SAE International, http://www.sae.org, +1 (724) 772-8522, [email protected]
Share this article