PFAS in refrigeration and air-conditioning technology: R744 as a PFAS-free refrigerant
The debate about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is picking up speed. These chemicals, found in countless everyday products—including refrigerants—are considered as negatively long lasting and harmful to the environment. One particular decomposition product, TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), accumulates in waters and drinking water. A study of BUND (Association for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany) revealed that PFAS were detected in nine out of ten tap water tests and in three out of five mineral waters.
The negative environmental and health impacts are increasingly the subject of regulatory action. But alternatives do exist—and Konvekta is a pioneer in this field.
PFAS-Free Climate Technologie: CO₂ (R744) as a PFAS-free refrigerant alternative
For years, Konvekta has relied on natural refrigerants and was the first company worldwide having developed a CO₂ heat pump system for electric buses. CO₂ (R744) is not only environmentally friendly, but also an efficient refrigerant. Many current systems still rely on synthetic refrigerants with high global warming potential—but CO₂ offers impressive advantages:
Advantages of CO₂ as a Refrigerant:
- PFAS-free: Unlike synthetic refrigerants, CO₂ does not produce harmful decomposition products that accumulate in the environment.
- GWP of 1: In the event of a release, the impact on the climate is significantly lower than that of refrigerants with high GWP values
- High efficiency: Konvekta’s CO₂ heat pump saves significant energy on basis of direct heat transfer and can reduce thermal management energy consumption by more than 50%.
- Safe and durable: CO₂ is non-toxic, non-flammable, and can be extracted from natural sources
- No long-term bans or regulations:Under the current legal framework, CO2 is not subject to the HFC phase-down under the EU F-Gas Regulation
Konvekta as an Active Member of the “Coalition for PFAS-Free Cooling & Heating”
To advance the use of PFAS-free refrigerants in the HVAC&R sector (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration), Konvekta is a member of the Coalition for PFAS-Free Cooling & Heating. This international initiative stands up for strict PFAS restrictions in the European Economic Area and promotes the use of natural refrigerants such as CO₂, ammonia, and hydrocarbons. The coalition provides scientifically based data to support regulatory decisions and is pushing the transition to sustainable alternatives.
Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Mobility
The industry is at a turning point. New regulations, such as the EU’s REACH chemical regulation, are pushing the phase-out of PFAS-based refrigerants. Companies that adopt natural alternatives will have a clear advantage. Konvekta recognized this trend very early and offers not only a proven but also a market-ready solution with its CO₂ heat pump systems.
Today, numerous European public transport operators do already benefit from more than 6,000 energy-efficient CO₂ systems delivered by Konvekta.
Avoiding PFAS-containing refrigerants is becoming increasingly important. CO2 already provides a PFAS-free refrigerant with a GWP of 1 for mobile heat pump systems.
Background to PFAS and TFA
PFAS – An Omnipresent Environmental Danger
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are widespread and can be found in various products, including clothing, cosmetics, firefighting foams, fast food packaging, electronics, and refrigerants.
TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) is a decomposition product of many refrigerants (HFCs and HFOs) and is classified as PFAS. It is extremely persistent and especially accumulates in water bodies.
PFAS are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they hardly degrade and can remain in the environment for decades.
Environmental Challenges Posed by PFAS
- Climate-damaging F-gases: Many conventional refrigerants contain F-gases with high GWP. Some release PFAS and contribute to global warming.
- TFA contaminates water sources: TFA acidifies bodies of water and has already been detected in many drinking water samples worldwide.
- Health risks: Scientific studies suggest possible toxic effects of PFAS on the liver and on the reproductive system.
- Extreme persistence: Once PFAS enter the environment, they are very difficult to remove. Most conventional water treatment systems cannot filter out TFA.
PFAS in Heating and Cooling Technology
- Synthetic refrigerants as a problem: Most current heat pumps use synthetic refrigerants that leave behind PFAS decomposition products.
- Natural refrigerants as a solution: CO₂, ammonia, propane, and water are environmentally friendly alternatives without PFAS.
- EU regulations: Under REACH and new EU proposals, discussions are ongoing to gradually restrict the use of PFAS in refrigerants.
Solutions for a PFAS-Free Future
PFAS-free technologies are already market-ready:
Many companies are developing heat pumps, cooling systems, and other technical components without PFAS.
Examples of environmentally friendly alternatives:
- CO₂ heat pumps from Konvekta AG – successfully in use by European transport sompanies for years . Over 6,000 Co2 systems from Konvekta are already contributing to emission-free mobility.
- Ammonia-based cooling systems with high energy efficiency
- Water as a refrigerant for large industrial systems
- Propane and isobutane as coolants in household appliances
- PFAS-free seals and coatings for industrial applications
Conclusion
- The industry is increasingly moving towards PFAS-free heating and cooling technology.
- Stricter regulations such as REACH and new EU requirements will speed up this transition and ultimately ban PFAS in many applications.
- Companies must act early to comply with upcoming legal requirements and establish sustainable technologies.