Energy and global warming impacts of CFC alternative technologies

Conference · Wed Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1992

OSTI ID:10150151

Fischer, S K; Fairchild, P D; Hughes, P J

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are used in a number of applications and volumes of CFCs used grew at a tremendous pace during the 1960s and 1970s. However, in the mid-1980s, it was confirmed that these extremely useful chemicals contribute to the destruction of stratospheric ozone. These chemicals are being phased out of use rapidly to protect the ozone layer and it is very important that the replacements for CFCs do not result in a net increase in global warming by introducing less efficient processes that lead to higher energy use and increased carbon dioxide emissions. A study was conducted to identify those alternative chemicals and technologies that could replace CFCs in energy related applications before the year 2000, and to assess the total potential impact of these alternatives on global warming. The analysis for this project included an estimate of the direct effects from the release of blowing agents, refrigerants, and solvents into the atmosphere and the indirect effects in the form of carbon dioxide emissions resulting from energy use for commercial and residential heating and cooling, household and commercial refrigeration, building and automobile air-conditioning, and general metal and electronics solvent cleaning. The discussion in this paper focuses on those aspects of the study relevant to refrigeration and air-conditioning. In general the use of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) alternatives for CFCs lead to large and sometimes dramatic reductions in total equivalent warming impact (TEWI), lifetime equivalent CO{sub 2} emissions. Most of the reductions result from decreased direct effects without significant changes in energy use.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 10150151
• Report Number(s): CONF-9206130--1; ON: DE92015128
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320000
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120
AEROSOLS
AIR CONDITIONING
CARBON DIOXIDE
CHEMICALS MONITORING AND TRANSPORT
CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS
ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FOAMS
GLOBAL ASPECTS
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
GREENHOUSE GASES
OZONE
REFRIGERANTS
THERMAL INSULATION