Drexel University researchers have been selected to participate in a $15 million Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiative aimed at eliminating hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigerants and insulating foams. Drexel will receive $3.8 million over five years to develop a plasma arc device for HFC destruction.
HFCs, though only 2% of greenhouse gas emissions, have 3,000 times more global warming potential per kilogram than carbon dioxide. The 2020 American Innovation and Manufacturing Act mandates an 85% reduction in HFCs by 2036.
Christopher Sales, PhD, associate professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering, emphasized the project’s importance: “HFCs are extremely potent global warming chemicals. Creating a technological approach to effectively destroy HFCs is critical in reducing their emissions into the environment.”
Drexel’s approach utilizes non-thermal or “cold” plasma technology to break down HFC-contaminated oil from cooling systems. This method is potentially more effective and energy-efficient than high-temperature incineration. The team plans to create
a portable device that can use excess oil as fuel, making the process
more sustainable.
The project, led by the College of Engineering and the Nyheim Plasma Institute, will involve building and testing a prototype over the next five years. The team will also assess the environmental impact of the process, including energy costs and emissions.
Additionally, the project includes a community outreach component through Drexel’s Environmental Collaboratory, aiming to educate communities near refrigeration facilities about the HFC problem and safety measures being implemented.
The EPA’s global initiative to phase down HFCs is expected to avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100, underscoring the significance of this research in combating climate change.
