Abstract
The objective of this research was to develop fugitive emission models of HFC-134a (Hydrofluorocarbon-134a) at the operation and disposal stages of passenger cars. It is essential to estimate the emission of HFC-134a from mobile air conditioner (MAC) due to its high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and extensive use as a refrigerant in MAC. The first-order emission model was introduced and the emission rate constant was assumed to be unvaried with time. A commercial recovery station of refrigerants was used to recover the HFC-134a from the MAC. Average emission rate constant and annual emission rate during the operation period of vehicle are estimated to be <TEX>$0.0538{\pm}0.0092$</TEX> (n=21) <TEX>$yr^{-1}$</TEX> and <TEX>$5.2{\pm}0.6%$</TEX>, respectively within a confidence interval of 95%. According to the model results, about 50% of HFC-134a would be emitted from the MAC during the 10 years operation of passenger cars. On the other hand, average remaining portion of HFC-134a in the MACs of scrap cars is <TEX>$58.2{\pm}4.8%$</TEX> (n=50) within a confidence interval of 95%, suggesting that over 40% of the initially charged amount could be released fugitively after disposal provided that the HFC-134a would not be properly treated or recycled.
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