I-MAC
(Improved Mobile Air Conditioning)

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 20 percent of the HFC-134a in equipment is emitted to the atmosphere each year. According to the U.S. EPA, total mobile A/C emissions from 2002 were 64% of total HFC-134a emissions. This increase of HFC-134a being found in the atmosphere is part of the reason the European Community is banning its future use in Europe. Since June 2005, more than 100 industry experts have been intensely involved in research to implement “Improved Mobile Air Conditioning” (I-MAC), a cooperative research project organized under the auspices of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and supported by $3 million in industry and government contributions.

I-MAC members pledged to increase A/C energy efficiency by at least 30% and to decrease refrigerant emissions by 50%. Four teams were organized to address different aspects of I-MAC. One focused on the efficiency of mobile air conditioning systems. Another worked to reduce the overall system charge and leakage from hoses, seals and other sources of emission during normal operation of the system. A third team explored ways to reduce solar load and heat input into the passenger compartment.

The fourth team addressed reduction of refrigerant emissions during service and repair, and at vehicle end-of-life. MACS was actively involved in the I-MAC project, working as part of the Service Team to identify improved equipment and procedures to reduce refrigerant emissions at service and make recommendations for vehicle end-of-life refrigerant recovery.

 

The I-MAC effort successfully met its goals of 30% increased efficiency and 50% reduced refrigerant emissions.

 

The work of the Service Team led to the development of several new standards, including:

• SAE J2791: Improved Electronic Leak Detectors, published January 2007.
• SAE J2788: Improved Recovery/Recycling/Charging Equipment, published in December 2006.
• SAE J2810: Improved Recovery Only Equipment, published in October 2007.

Note: Additional related standards are in development.

 

MACS Members may click here to view the I-MAC Final Report 

 

E-mail any questions to Elvis L. Hoffpauir, MACS president and chief operating officer and I-MAC Team Four Leader at elvis@macsw.org

 

 

Articles Related to the I-MAC Project

 

Why Does Anyone Want to Replace R-134a MACS Service Report February 2005

 

Standards and Practices MACS Service Report April 2005

 

The Changing Face of A/C Repair MOTOR Magazine April 2005

 

I-MAC 30/50 The First Year ACTION Magazine July 2005

 

Moving Forward: An I-MAC Update ACTION Magazine September 2005

 

I-MAC Powerpoint Presentation Turin, Italy November 2005

 

Moving Forward: I-MAC Update Practice What You Preach ACTION Magazine March 2006

 

Recommended A/C Inspection and Preventive Maintenance ACTION Magazine July 2006

 

I-MAC DuPont Whitepaper November 2005

 

How Much, How Long? ACTION Magazine September 2006