Evaluating the Environmental Impact of HFO-1234yf in Automotive Air Conditioning Systems: A Life Cycle Assessment

With the rapidly expanding cooling industry driven by increasing global demand for refrigeration and air conditioning, the need for refrigerants—a critical component of these systems—continues to grow. My research examines the environmental and economic impacts of HFO-1234yf, a fourth-generation refrigerant. Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), including HFO-1234yf, are widely promoted for their short atmospheric lifespans and zero ozone depletion potential. However, despite these benefits, HFOs pose significant health and environmental risks as they are increasingly recognized as harmful "forever chemicals." Using OpenLCA, a life cycle assessment (LCA) modeling software, this study models the life cycle of HFO-1234yf in automotive air conditioning (MAC) systems, focusing on its environmental fate and associated impacts.