R744 Climate System
Visteon's R744 Climate System is an innovative heating and air conditioning system that significantly reduces the environmental impact of using the vehicle's air conditioning system. 
By using the natural refrigerant, R744 or Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as the working fluid instead of R134a, Visteon provides automotive manufacturers with an environmentally friendly climate solution. This innovative climate system can improve fuel economy and passenger comfort and also is available with a fully integrated heat pump that provides a
fuel-efficient supplemental
heat source.
The decision by Visteon to use R744 is designed to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and align with the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol – an amendment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and addresses the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Additionally, this solution aligns with the European Union's initiative that is addressing the impact of automotive air conditioning systems, as well as other industries and automobile exhaust emissions.
In developing climate technologies that use R744, Visteon has been able to demonstrate excellence at both a component and overall systems level. The main advantages of Visteon and its R744 Climate System are:
- Efficiency
Visteon’s R744 climate system provides same or better occupant comfort than today’s air conditioning systems. The advance R744 climate system improves efficiency and minimized environmental impacts.
- Reduces Emissions
This innovative system has the capability to significantly reduce direct emissions of greenhouse gases. Current systems using R134a as the operating refrigerant deliver a global warming potential of 1,300. In comparison, R744 has a global warming potential of 1. Indirect emissions also are reduced, due to the improvements in fuel consumption.
- Potential for Reduced Complexity
R744 represents an excellent fluid for heat pump operation. As an option, Visteon has developed a fully integrated heat pump that can be used as a supplemental heat source. This pump allows not only an increase of thermal comfort in the cabin, but has the additional benefit of defrosting the windshield rapidly. Separate electric or fuels operated heater could be eliminated – further reducing the complexity of future vehicle climate systems that require supplemental heating.
Visteon has already developed and delivered more than 20 prototype vehicles and numerous components for R744 air conditioning systems. These vehicles and components are currently undergoing trials and are being evaluated by more than 10 different vehicle manufacturers. Additionally, Visteon operates its own R744 test fleet, some of which feature an integrated heat pump system for improved supplemental heating. All relevant components of the system, from compressor through heat exchanger to accumulators, as well as refrigerant lines and connectors, were designed at Visteon’s global climate control innovation centers.
Visteon's expertise in thermal management systems allows for environmental solutions that address current and future requirements. With Visteon's R744 Climate System, vehicle manufacturers can provide consumers with a winning combination – technology that protects the environment and passenger comfort.
Additional InformationProduct Specifications - R744 Climate System