White paper covers propane, CO2-based technologies

Outlines strategy to meet global environmental regulations

A white paper on next-generation PFAS-free natural refrigerant technology. [Hanon Systems]
A white paper on next-generation PFAS-free natural refrigerant technology. [Hanon Systems]

Hanon Systems, a global automotive thermal energy management solutions company under Hankook & Company Group, said Sunday it has published an official technical white paper compiling its next-generation eco-friendly refrigerant technologies in response to tightening global environmental regulations.

The white paper details Hanon Systems' PFAS-free natural refrigerant technology, which eliminates the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

The paper analyzes the environmental limitations of fluorinated refrigerants currently in widespread use in automotive air-conditioning systems and outlines the development direction and commercialization roadmap for natural refrigerant technologies based on propane (R290) and carbon dioxide (R744). The company said the white paper was published on LinkedIn and has drawn attention from ATMOsphere, a professional association specializing in natural refrigerants, as well as the global automaker industry.

Hanon Systems noted that fluorinated refrigerants such as R1234yf — the dominant refrigerant in vehicles today — can generate trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a persistent toxic substance, during decomposition, potentially affecting soil, water quality and ecosystems.

The company has been developing natural refrigerant technologies using propane and carbon dioxide for more than 20 years. Its carbon dioxide (R744)-based electric compressor has been applied to platforms including Volkswagen's MEB electric vehicle platform, supplying more than 1 million vehicles since 2020. Hanon Systems is also pursuing commercialization of a propane (R290)-based refrigerant module, which is drawing attention as a next-generation eco-friendly refrigerant.

The company added that its natural refrigerant technology has completed real-vehicle performance verification in extreme cold and heat conditions across Europe, and that it has established a system ready for immediate mass production.

"This white paper demonstrates to the market the technological capability and sense of responsibility that Hanon Systems has built through proactively responding to the global regulatory environment," said Lee Su-il, vice chairman and CEO of Hanon Systems. "Natural refrigerant technology is the answer to PFAS regulations and environmental pollution, and we will continue to lead the way in building a sustainable future with global automakers."

Meanwhile, Hanon Systems has been demonstrating its quality management systems and manufacturing competitiveness in global markets, including recently earning Ford Motor's top quality certification, the Q1 Award, at its factory in Carey, Ohio.

Ford's Q1 Award is the automaker's highest-tier supplier certification, granted only to production facilities that achieve outstanding results across a range of evaluation criteria — including quality, delivery, manufacturing capability and customer satisfaction — and that meet rigorous quality standards and operational requirements.


eyre@heraldcorp.com