Knowra Hydrofluorocarbon Hydrofluorocarbon A hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) is an organic compound containing hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon. HFCs have been widely used as refrigerants and as substitutes for ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons.
Refrigeration cycle : A thermodynamic cycle that transfers heat by evaporating and condensing a working fluid. HFCs absorb and release heat as refrigerants circulate through this cycle.
Chlorofluorocarbon : A compound containing chlorine, fluorine, and carbon, formerly used widely in refrigeration and aerosols. HFCs replaced many CFC uses without the chlorine-driven ozone destruction.
Air conditioning : The control of indoor temperature and humidity through cooling and, sometimes, heating. HFCs have served as working fluids in residential, commercial, and vehicle air conditioners.
Greenhouse gas : A gas that absorbs and emits infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect. HFCs are synthetic greenhouse gases whose emissions add to radiative forcing.
Ozone depletion potential : A measure comparing a substance's capacity to deplete stratospheric ozone with that of a reference substance. HFCs generally have negligible ozone-depletion potential because they lack chlorine or bromine.
Montreal Protocol : A 1987 international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances. Its controls on CFCs accelerated adoption of HFC alternatives.
Heat pump : A device that transfers heat between spaces using a refrigerant cycle. Many heat pumps use HFCs to move heat efficiently.
Radiative forcing : A change in Earth's energy balance caused by factors such as greenhouse gases or aerosols. Accumulating HFCs alter the planet's energy balance by absorbing infrared radiation.
Global warming potential : A measure of a greenhouse gas's heat-trapping effect relative to carbon dioxide over a specified period. Many HFCs have high global warming potentials despite their low ozone impact.
Ozone hole : A seasonal, severe thinning of stratospheric ozone, especially over Antarctica. Concern over ozone loss drove the transition away from CFC refrigerants.
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