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New Refrigerants R744 and R1234yf - Service Technology Guide
New Refrigerants R744 and R1234yf - Service Technology Guide
Model 117, 156, 166, 172, 176, 190, 205, 213, 217, 222, 231, 238, 242, 246, 253, 292, 415, 447,
453, 461, 463
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Replacing the previous refrigerant, R134a vehicle models will be equipped with safe air conditioning
The former refrigerant has significant potential to harm the systems filled with refrigerant R1234yf (C3H2F4). The air
climate, and, to define this with a uniform measurand, the conditioning system with refrigerant R744 (CO2) is
"Global Warming Potential (GWP)" unit is used. available for the E-Class only when equipped with
THERMOTRONIC (with code (581) automatic air
Mercedes-Benz is equipping the E-Class and S-Class with conditioning (AAC)).
an air conditioning system filled with refrigerant R744
(CO2) — they will be the first series production cars Refrigerant R744 (CO2) and refrigerant R1234yf are so far
globally to have this system. This is to fulfill the EU the only refrigerants, which comply with the future
directive, valid from 2017, which prescribes a "Global requirements of the EU directive for new vehicles with air
Warming Potential (GWP)" of <150 for refrigerants in cars conditioning systems.
and cars approved as commercial vehicles. All other
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Complex redevelopment for air conditioning systems Air conditioning systems with refrigerant R744 (CO2) work
with refrigerant R744 (CO2) with pressure 5 to 10 times higher than previous systems.
The implementation of refrigerant R744 (CO2) requires the The inner cross-sections must be adapted for high volume
redevelopment of all refrigerant circuit components, cooling capacity. This imposes particular demands on the
because the physical characteristics of a refrigerant must design and choice of material.
be taken into account when constructing the components.
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Possible modifications and relevant certifications Inerting systems (with refrigerant R1234yf): The vehicle
Modifications/conversions: Modification/conversion to the does not lose its General Operating Permit (GOP) if the
alternative refrigerant for existing air conditioning systems system stops working, but the inerting system (with
is currently not planned. refrigerant R1234yf) is relevant for certification.
Approval: Approval is only granted by fulfilling International Import/export: When importing to Europe, the use of a
Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard ISO13043 refrigerant, which does not violate EU law, is an integral
(precautionary measures for risks). Thus, only safety part of the entire scope of the modification/conversion.
precautions especially adapted to these refrigeration When exporting to other countries, the relevant local laws
systems will make an approval possible. apply and may entail modification/conversion.
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Note
This brochure is formed of the following documents.
Overview of refrigerants Page 3
Pkw / 1
SN83.30-P-0001A
2 Pkw /
SN83.30-P-0001-01A
Model 117, 156, 166, 172, 176, 190, 205, 213, 217, 222, 231, 238, 242, 246, 253, 292, 415, 447,
453, 461, 463
Overview of refrigerants particularly quickly, enables A/C systems filled with CO2 to
provide a pleasant regulated temperature in the vehicle
Refrigerant R744
interior in a short period of time, despite a high thermal
Carbon dioxide (CO2) with designation R744 is a natural load.
refrigerant with a minimum influence on global warming.
The unit that defines the level of harmfulness for the Refrigerant R1234yf
climate is the "Global Warming Potential (GWP)". CO2 is Along with the refrigerant R744, the refrigerant R1234yf,
the reference variable here with a "Global Warming that was previously only produced on an industrial scale, is
Potential (GWP)" value of 1. From an ecological and the refrigerant that also fulfills the specifications of the EU
technical point-of-view, the refrigerant R744 is an ideal Directive.
refrigerant. It is chemically inactive, neither toxic nor Under certain circumstances, the refrigerant R1234yf
combustible, and it does not exhibit an ozone-depleting exhibits a different inflammation potential than the
potential. refrigerant R134a currently used in industry.
CO2 production does not require a complex procedure. It is Therefore, on vehicles, in which the refrigerant R1234yf is
generated in large quantities as a "residuary product" of used, specially developed safety devices are deployed
industrial and chemical production processes. CO2 does depending on the vehicle configuration involved.
not need to be recycled. The high cooling output, available
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Type plate
The model plate for the refrigerant used and the vehicle-
specific refrigerant quantity is located in a visible area of
the engine compartment.
Refrigerant use
R744 R1234yF
Model 213 All other Mercedes-Benz car model series such as smart,
In combination with Thermotronic (code 581 (Automatic air off-road vehicles, vans with car approval
conditioning)).
Not used in hybrid vehicles, Mercedes-AMG vehicles and
vehicles equipped with Thermatic (code 580 (Air
conditioning system)).
Model 217, 222
Series production scope, not used in hybrid vehicles and
Mercedes-AMG vehicles.
Refrigerant comparison
Properties R744 R1234yF R134a
"Global Warming Potential 1 4 1430
(GWP)" (see example at
foot of table)
System pressure in bar 100 10 10
(approx. values)
Safety group A1 A2 A1
"Global Warming Potential (GWP)" example: 1 kg R134a contributes to global warming as with 1430 kg CO2.
Pkw / 3
SN83.30-P-0001-02A
Model 117, 156, 166, 172, 176, 190, 205, 213, 217, 222, 231, 238, 242, 246, 253, 292, 415, 447,
453, 461, 463
P83.30-5135-78
4 Pkw /
SN83.30-P-0001-03A
Model 117, 156, 166, 172, 176, 190, 205, 213, 217, 222, 231, 238, 242, 246, 253, 292, 415, 447,
453, 461, 463
Comparison of A/C systems with refrigerant R744 and evaporation process of the refrigerant R744 in the
A/C systems with refrigerant R1234yf evaporator is taken from the air flowing past, which is
In principle, a refrigerant circuit with refrigerant R744 cooled. This cooled air stream cools the vehicle interior.
(carbon dioxide (CO2)) is similarly structured to that of an After the evaporator, the refrigerant R744 has a pressure of
air conditioning system operating with refrigerant R1234yf. only 30 to 50 bar and a temperature from slightly over
0 to 15 ℃.
Function principle of A/C system with refrigerant R744
The refrigerant R744 now flows through the accumulator
The refrigerant R744 is compressed in the refrigerant (with drier) and then enters the internal heat exchanger to
compressor (A9) or in the refrigerant compressor with absorb heat. The accumulator (with drier) buffers the
magnetic clutch (A9/7) to a maximum of 130 bar. The heat refrigerant R744 from various operating states and contains
produced by this is dissipated into the environment via the a refrigerant reservoir.
condenser (gas cooler), and the compressed refrigerant
R744 is cooled or, at temperatures below 30 ℃, In the internal heat exchanger, the refrigerant R744 heats
condensed. up and is then drawn in and compressed again by the
refrigerant compressor (A9) or by the refrigerant
The refrigerant mass flow is then cooled further in the compressor with magnetic clutch (A9/7). The circuit starts
internal heat exchanger before being throttled in the CO2 again from the beginning.
expansion valve (Y148) (electrical expansion valve) and
flowing into the evaporator at low pressure. There the The accumulator (with drier) and internal heat exchanger
refrigerant begins to evaporate. The necessary heat for the may be separate or combined in a single component.
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Differences in system components In A/C systems with refrigerant R1234yf, thermostat-
The structure of the refrigerant circuit with refrigerant controlled expansion valves are used as the flow-control
R134a is identical to the refrigerant circuit with refrigerant elements.
R1234yf. In A/C systems with refrigerant R744, the refrigerant mass
Compared to the refrigerant circuit with refrigerant R1234yf, flow is regulated by the CO2 expansion valve (Y148)
there are significant differences in the refrigerant circuit (electrical expansion valve).
with refrigerant R744 in terms of the pressure, the The refrigerant compressor (A9) or the refrigerant
temperature of the refrigerant after compression, the compressor with magnetic clutch (A9/7) of the A/C system
properties of the refrigerant, the arrangement of the with refrigerant R744 requires only approx. 1/5 of the
components and the connection technology used. displacement previously required. Its aluminum housing is
While in an A/C system with refrigerant R1234yf the manufactured by a specially developed pressure die
refrigerant reservoir (collector) is situated on the high- casting process which guarantees the required
pressure side, the accumulator (with drier) in the A/C leaktightness combined with high component strength.
system with refrigerant R744 is located on the low-pressure The refrigerant compressor (A9) or the refrigerant
side. compressor with magnetic clutch (A9/7) of the A/C system
The volume in A/C systems with refrigerant R744 is with refrigerant R744 is controlled with an electrical
considerably lower because only approx. 350 g of differential pressure valve; the refrigerant compressor (A9)
refrigerant R744, for example, is required, compared to or the refrigerant compressor with magnetic clutch (A9/7) of
approx. 630 g of refrigerant in a conventional charge with the A/C system with refrigerant R1234yf uses a suction
refrigerant R134a or refrigerant R1234yf. pressure valve for this.
Due to the high pressure of the A/C system with refrigerant Service connections are installed on the high-pressure and
R744, the line cross sections are smaller. low-pressure sides for Service to empty and fill the
refrigerant circuit. These are geometrically designed
according to a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
standard to avoid confusion between the high-pressure and
Pkw / 5
SN83.30-P-0001-03A
6 Pkw /
SN83.30-P-0001-03A
P83.30-5120-81
Sealing system for interfaces with refrigerant R744 temperature range, which places particular demands on
The sealing system for interfaces in the refrigerant circuit material and composition. The retainer (14) consists of a
was designed in accordance with German Industrial hard component and a soft component and has also been
Standard (DIN) specifications and has been specially designed with the strict requirements in mind to keep the
developed for the refrigerant R744. gap between the male part (11) and the female part (12)
free of fluids.
The metal sealing washer (15) used must be stable and
absolutely gas-tight in the specified pressure and
Pkw / 7
SN83.30-P-0001-03A
8 Pkw /
SN83.30-P-0001-03A
Pkw / 9
SN83.30-P-0001-03A
10 Pkw /
SN83.30-P-0001-05A
Model 117, 156, 166, 172, 176, 190, 205, 213, 217, 222, 231, 238, 242, 246, 253, 292, 415, 447,
453, 461, 463
P83.30-5125-11
Air conditioning service unit for refrigerant R134a is that, in addition to meeting the appropriate Society of
The minimum requirements needed for air conditioning Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard, air conditioning
service units for refrigerant R134a to meet the Mercedes- service units for refrigerant R134a are able to process
Benz standard are described in document WS83.00- various oils, and accessories for cleaning a vehicle's air
P-0031B in the Workshop Information System (WIS) to conditioning system can be ordered at the same time.
support retail with procurement measures. Important here
P83.30-5126-75
Pkw / 11
SN83.30-P-0001-05A
Air conditioning service unit for refrigerant R1234yf Mercedes-Benz standard by Team Workshop Appliance
Specific air conditioning service units for refrigerant Product Technology in cooperation with those responsible
R1234yf are necessary for work to air conditioning systems for repair technology and systems development. A high
with refrigerant R1234yf. A selection of approved air degree of quality when constructed (e. g. compliance with
conditioning service units for refrigerant R1234yf and the certain SAE standards and protection classes) is required
relevant order information can be found in the Electronic alongside, among others, the need for high accuracy in
Parts Catalog (EPC) under number W 000 588 10 82 00. refrigerant dosing (tolerance range of ±15 g) and a practical
Air conditioning service combined units, which can process implementation of gas analysis.
refrigerant R134a and refrigerant R1234yf, are also listed i
here. We wish to state explicitly that service work to Mercedes-
These air conditioning service units for refrigerant Benz and smart vehicles with air conditioning systems with
R1234yf,or air conditioning service combined units for refrigerant R1234yf must only use the air conditioning
refrigerant R134a and refrigerant R1234yf, have been service units recommended in retail.
developed and tested for refrigerant circuit according to the
P83.30-5127-81
Air conditioning service units for refrigerant R744 measuring equipment against damage) is required
Specific air conditioning service units for refrigerant R744 alongside, among others, the need for high accuracy in
are necessary for work to air conditioning systems with refrigerant dosing (tolerance range of ±10 g) and an
refrigerant R744. A selection of approved units and the operating pressure of up to 140 bar. The amount of time
relevant order information can be found in the EPC under spent on the filling process is optimized by determining the
number W 000 588 09 82 00. These air conditioning discharge rate of the carbon dioxide (CO2) gas cylinder
service units for refrigerant R744 have been developed and and using the vehicle's own refrigerant compressor (A9) or
tested for refrigerant circuit according to the Mercedes- refrigerant compressor with magnetic clutch (A9/7).
Benz standard by Team Workshop Appliance Product i
Technology in cooperation with those responsible for repair We wish to state explicitly that service work to Mercedes-
technology and systems development. Benz vehicles with air conditioning system with refrigerant
A high degree of quality when constructed (e. g. R744 must only use the air conditioning service units
compliance with certain SAE standards and securing recommended in retail.
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Hydrogen gas trace instrument criteria catalog. The criteria catalog only describes the
The criteria catalog serves to support retail with minimum requirements for fulfilling the Mercedes-Benz
procurement measures. The hydrogen gas detection unit standard. Therefore, there is no exigent reference to the
can usually be sourced from manufacturers of approved equipment or devices of specific manufacturers.
leak testers or selected on the open market based on the Minimum requirements:
12 Pkw /
SN83.30-P-0001-05A
• The measuring range comprises at least 10 to 500 ppm. • The hydrogen gas detection unit provides the user with
• Measurement display: Hydrogen concentration is given acoustic feedback regarding hydrogen concentration.
in an increment ≤ 10 ppm.
• The measuring tip is attached to a flexible extension
(gooseneck).
Pkw / 13
SN83.30-P-0001-06A
Model 117, 156, 166, 172, 176, 190, 205, 213, 217, 222, 231, 238, 242, 246, 253, 292, 415, 447,
453, 461, 463
14 Pkw /
SN83.30-P-0001-06A
The warning and safety information on the air conditioning before using it for the first time. The user may only conduct
service unit for refrigerant R744 and in the operator's the maintenance operations expressly permitted by the
manual must always be observed by the user. The manufacturer and as described in the operator's manual.
operator's manual must be carefully read by each user
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Inerting system (air conditioning systems with with an airbag. The connection points are safety relevant.
refrigerant R1234yf) After working procedures are conducted on the system, the
The inerting system is not maintenance relevant. The system must be tight again.
pressure medium reservoir is a "T1 component part" System continuity must be assured not only after a frontal
(classification code hazardous materials) or hazardous impact. The system may need to be checked even in the
material. It may only be handled by trained personnel, as event of a side impact.
Pkw / 15
SN83.30-P-0001-08A
Model 117, 156, 166, 172, 176, 190, 205, 213, 217, 222, 231, 238, 242, 246, 253, 292, 415, 447,
453, 461, 463
P83.30-5124-79
Inertization system
1 Inert gas lance 4 Electrical wiring harness
2 Inert gas line N2/10 Supplemental restraint system control unit
3 Inert gas cartridge
16 Pkw /
SN83.30-P-0001-09A
Model 117, 156, 166, 172, 176, 190, 205, 213, 217, 222, 231, 238, 242, 246, 253, 292, 415, 447,
453, 461, 463
Range of "Global Training" courses 243487) for work on passenger car air conditioning
The handling of the refrigerants R744 and R1234yf is being systems.
incorporated into the existing range of training and The certificate of competence is the requirement for
accreditation courses offered by "Global Training". It can participation in the training courses for air conditioning
therefore be booked through the familiar channels for retail systems with refrigerants R744 and R1234yf in Mercedes-
operations. Benz vehicles.
The Chemicals Climate Protection Ordinance (EC This course is aimed at maintenance, repair and system
307/2008) requires a certificate of competence (DE technicians.
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Training content Performing a professional diagnosis on the air conditioning
Design and function of air conditioning system with new system with XENTRY Diagnosis.
refrigerant R744. Describing the new features of the air conditioning system
Design and function of air conditioning system with in model 213 and in model 222 with respect to design and
refrigerant R1234yf. function.
Performing a professional diagnosis on refrigeration Overview of the additional functions of the air conditioning
systems with the appropriate air conditioning service unit system in hybrid vehicles.
for refrigerant R744 or R1234yf (evacuating, leak testing,
filling, pressure testing).
Pkw / 17
SN83.30-P-0001-10A
Model 117, 156, 166, 172, 176, 190, 205, 213, 217, 222, 231, 238, 242, 246, 253, 292, 415, 447,
453, 461, 463
Work safety The components of the systems are developed for the
Safety information on the refrigerants R744 and R1234yf maximum permissible operating pressure. They must
and on working on high-pressure systems is published in withstand the burst pressure, which corresponds to at least
the Workshop Information System (WIS). 12 times the maximum permissible operating pressure. The
systems are equipped with pressure limiting valves which
Risks and safety precautions are triggered when the maximum permissible operating
pressure is exceeded. With these, the refrigerant R744
The relevant risks associated with the refrigerant R744
should escape without posing a hazard to persons.
(carbon dioxide (CO2)) in production and Service are:
Personnel working on the system should know the location
• Flying fragments of components and detachable parts, of the pressure limiting valves.
fragments of fittings.
Nobody should be underneath the vehicle when the system
• Escaping refrigerant R744 with high kinetic energy due is being filled with refrigerant. The vehicles may only be
to the high pressure. filled with the permissible quantity of refrigerant R744.
• Inhalation of high refrigerant R744-/CO2 concentrations. Systems with the refrigerant R744 can be drained in the
workshop when normal ventilation in the work areas is
The design and location of the components are intended to guaranteed.
prevent vehicle users or technicians from being exposed to
hazards in the course of proper use, maintenance, repair
and scrapping of the vehicle.
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Notes on handling refrigerant R1234yf conditioning service unit for refrigerant R1234yf. Special
The refrigerant R1234yf is colorless and odorless. At aids must be used which are intended only for extracting
normal temperatures it is not toxic. The refrigerant R1234yf contaminated refrigerant R1234yf from air conditioning
is inflammable and in certain mixing ratios with air it can systems with refrigerant R1234yf.
ignite. The refrigerant R1234yf may only be used in air
Procurement of the alternative refrigerants
conditioning systems which are approved for the refrigerant
R1234yf. The refrigerant R1234yf may not be mixed with The refrigerants R744 and R1234yf of the required purity
other refrigerants (e.g. R134a). are freely available commercially in all the relevant
markets.
The refrigerant R1234yf does not contain any
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The refrigerant R1234yf does Storage and disposal
not damage the earth's ozone layer. It has a GWP (Global
The refrigerant R744 does not to be specifically disposed
Warming Potential) of 4. Nevertheless, the refrigerant
of. The service units certified by Mercedes Benz dissipate
R1234yf may only be extracted by experts with suitable
the refrigerant R744 into the environment at a harmless
extraction and recycling equipment. Contaminated
rate.
refrigerant R1234yf must not be extracted using the air
18 Pkw /
SN83.30-P-0001-10A
The refrigerant R1234yf can be reprocessed and reused refrigerant R1234yf must be disposed of via the process of
with the air conditioning service unit. Contaminated the refrigerant manufacturer.
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Potential risks Risk of explosion
• Fire hazard Ignitable mixtures may form in combination with refrigerant
• Risk of asphyxiation vapors.
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First-aid measures • In the event of ingestion
• In the event of contact with eyes • Rinse out mouth thoroughly with water. Seek
• With the eyelid wide open, thoroughly rinse for at medical attention immediately.
least 10 min with flowing water. Seek medical • In the event of unconsciousness
attention immediately. • Keep and transport affected persons in the recovery
• In the event of skin contact position. If breathing is arrested, bend head towards
• Use water to defrost body parts iced-up by cold fluid, neck and perform artificial respiration. Summon
then carefully remove clothing. Rinse with plenty of medical attention immediately.
water and wash contaminated clothing before
reusing. Seek medical attention immediately.
Pkw / 19
SN83.30-P-0001-10A
20 Pkw /