Low gwp refrigerant composition

Abstract

The invention discloses a refrigerant composition. The refrigerant composition comprises an R1150 refrigerant, an R170 refrigerant and a third refrigerant. And the third refrigerant is one of a refrigerant R1132a and a refrigerant R1270. A method of preparing a refrigerant composition for an HVACR system includes mixing an amount of R1150 refrigerant, an amount of R170 refrigerant, and an amount of a third refrigerant. Also disclosed is a method for retrofitting an existing refrigerant in an HVACR system to obtain a retrofit refrigerant composition, comprising adding at least one of an R1150 refrigerant, an R170 refrigerant, and a third refrigerant to an existing refrigerant component to obtain the retrofit refrigerant composition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerant composition for use in a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a refrigerant composition for use as a working medium in a refrigerant circuit of an HVACR system. Background Art

[0002] Due to concerns about environmental impacts (e.g., ozone depletion) and the ratification of the Montreal Protocol, people began to explore refrigerants that can replace ozone-depleting refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Some refrigerants, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), have been used as replacements for existing refrigerants containing CFCs and HFCs. However, there has been a recent trend (e.g., the Gigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) in the United States) to phase out refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP), such as certain HFCs. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a refrigerant composition for use in a HVACR system is disclosed.

[0004] The refrigerant composition comprises R1150 refrigerant, R170 refrigerant and a third refrigerant. The third refrigerant is one of R1270 refrigerant and R1132a refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R1270 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or about 56 weight %.

[0005] In one embodiment, the refrigerant composition has a refrigeration capacity equal to or about equal to or greater than 75% of the refrigeration capacity of R23 refrigerant.

[0006] In one embodiment, the refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition is equal to or about equal to or greater than 125% of the refrigeration capacity of R23 refrigerant.

[0007] In one embodiment, the coefficient of performance of the refrigerant composition is equal to, about equal to, or greater than 95% of the coefficient of performance of R23 refrigerant.

[0008] In one embodiment, the coefficient of performance of the refrigerant composition is equal to, about equal to, or greater than 100% of the coefficient of performance of R23 refrigerant.

[0009] In one embodiment, the condenser discharge temperature of the refrigerant combination is equal to or approximately equal to the condenser discharge temperature of the R23 refrigerant or is within 10K of the condenser discharge temperature of the R23 refrigerant.

[0010] In one embodiment, the refrigerant composition has a temperature glide of about 5K or less.

[0011] In one embodiment, the temperature glide of the refrigerant composition is equal to or about equal to or less than 2.5K.

[0012] In one embodiment, the third refrigerant is R1270 refrigerant, and the proportion of R1270 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or about 25 weight %.

[0013] In one embodiment, the third refrigerant is R1270 refrigerant, and the proportion of R1150 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or about 36 weight %.

[0014] In one embodiment, the third refrigerant is R1270 refrigerant, and the proportion of R1150 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or about 74 weight %.

[0015] In one embodiment, the third refrigerant is R1270 refrigerant, and the proportion of R1150 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or about 36 weight %.

[0016] In one embodiment, the third refrigerant is R1270 refrigerant, and the proportion of R170 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 50 weight %.

[0017] In one embodiment, the third refrigerant is R1132a refrigerant, and the proportion of R1150 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and equal to or approximately equal to or less than 95 weight %.

[0018] In one embodiment, a method for making a refrigerant composition for an HVACR system is provided. The method includes mixing a certain amount of R1150 refrigerant, a certain amount of R170 refrigerant, and a certain amount of a third refrigerant. The third refrigerant is one of R1270 refrigerant and R1132a refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R1270 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or about 56% by weight.

[0019] In one embodiment, a method for retrofitting an existing refrigerant in a HVACR system is provided. The method includes adding a certain amount of at least one refrigerant to the existing refrigerant to obtain a retrofitted refrigerant composition comprising R1150 refrigerant, R170 refrigerant and a third refrigerant. The third refrigerant is one of R1270 refrigerant and R1132a refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R1270 refrigerant in the retrofitted refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or approximately equal to 56 weight percent.

[0020] In one embodiment, the refrigeration capacity of the modified refrigerant composition is equal to or about equal to or greater than 75% of the refrigeration capacity of R23 refrigerant.

[0021] In one embodiment, the coefficient of performance of the retrofitted refrigerant composition is equal to or about equal to or greater than 95% of the coefficient of performance of R23 refrigerant.

[0022] In one embodiment, the condenser discharge temperature of the retrofitted refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to the condenser discharge temperature of R23 refrigerant or is within 10K of the condenser discharge temperature of R23 refrigerant.

[0023] In one embodiment, the temperature glide of the modified refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or less than 5K. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The above-described and other features, aspects and advantages of the refrigerant compositions, methods of making the refrigerant compositions and methods of retrofitting the refrigerant compositions in HVACR systems will be better understood with reference to the following drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant circuit of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 is a matrix of refrigerant compositions of R1270, R1150 and R170, including relative cooling capacities, compressor relative discharge temperatures and temperature glide plotted according to embodiments.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A matrix showing refrigerant compositions selected according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 is a matrix of refrigerant compositions of R1132a, R1150 and R170, including relative coefficient of performance, relative cooling capacity and temperature glide diagrams plotted according to embodiments.

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A matrix showing refrigerant compositions selected according to an embodiment.

[0030] The use of the same reference numbers in different figures denotes the same items. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present invention relates to refrigerant compositions for use in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to refrigerant compositions for use in the working medium of a refrigerant circuit in an HVACR system.

[0032] Compared to conventional refrigerant compositions (such as R23 refrigerant or R116 refrigerant), the refrigerant compositions of the present invention improve one or more parameters such as global warming potential (GWP), temperature glide, cooling capacity, coefficient of performance and flammability. In particular, relative to the conventional refrigerant compositions, such as R23 refrigerant or R116 refrigerant, the refrigerant compositions of the present invention improve GWP (e.g., relatively low GWP). In some disclosed embodiments, the refrigerant composition may have similar efficiency (e.g., coefficient of performance (COP)), cooling capacity (CAP), condenser discharge temperature (CDT) and / or other operating parameters as the conventional refrigerant compositions, such as R23 refrigerant or R116 refrigerant.

[0033] The refrigerant composition of the present invention can be used in an ultra-low temperature HVACR system. The ultra-low temperature HVACR system can make the temperature of the process fluid (such as air) reach -30°C or below. The ultra-low temperature HVACR system can also be configured to make the temperature of the process fluid reach or below -30°C, reach or below -40°C, reach or below -50°C, reach or below -60°C, reach or below -80°C, etc. In one embodiment, the ultra-low temperature HVACR system may include a plurality of refrigerant circuits in series (for example, a relatively high temperature circuit in series with a relatively low temperature circuit). In the evaporator of the low temperature circuit, the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant composition can be adjusted to -30°C or below, -40°C or below, -50°C or below, -60°C or below, -62°C or below, -78°C or below, -80°C or below, -86°C or below, -95°C or below, etc.

[0034] The cooled process fluid can be used to cool spaces that require refrigeration, including but not limited to spaces within refrigerated facilities, refrigerators, climate-controlled transport units, or other similar spaces. For example, compared to conventional refrigerants used in low-temperature / ultra-low-temperature HVACR systems (e.g., R23 refrigerant, R116 refrigerant, etc.), the refrigerant composition described in the present invention can provide a superior GWP (e.g., a low GWP alternative). Here, "ultra-low temperature" refers to a temperature of -50°C or lower. For example, an ultra-low temperature HVACR system is an HVACR system that can cool a process fluid to at least -50°C. In one example, an ultra-low temperature HVACR system refers to an HVACR system that can cool a process fluid to a temperature of -62°C or lower. For example, the above temperature can be the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant composition in the evaporator of the HVACR system (e.g., an evaporation temperature of -50°C or lower, an evaporation temperature of -62°C or lower).

[0035] The present invention also describes a method for preparing such a refrigerant composition. In some embodiments, the refrigerant composition has similar performance to existing refrigerant compositions. The existing refrigerant composition can be R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc. For example, the evaporation temperature of the existing refrigerant composition is equal to or lower than -50°C (or, equal to or lower than about -62°C).

[0036] Also described herein are methods of retrofitting a working medium containing an existing refrigerant to obtain such a refrigerant composition. HVACR systems designed for a working medium containing an existing refrigerant composition can be retrofitted to improve system maintenance, control flammability, reduce GWP, improve performance, and / or improve system safety.

[0037] The described refrigerant compositions can reduce GWP, reduce toxicity, reduce flammability (e.g., reduce burning velocity (BV)), and / or provide a higher lower flammable limit (LFL) in HVACR systems. Methods for preparing such refrigerant compositions have been described herein. The refrigerant compositions and preparation methods described herein can be used to retrofit existing refrigerants in HVACR systems to obtain retrofitted refrigerant compositions. Retrofitting of existing refrigerant compositions can be used for HVACR system maintenance, controlling flammability, reducing GWP, improving performance, and / or improving the safety of the system.

[0038] R1270 refrigerant (ie, propylene) ("R1270") has a lower GWP value of approximately 2.

[0039] R1150 refrigerant (ie, ethylene) ("R1150") has a lower GWP value of approximately 4.

[0040] R170 refrigerant (i.e., ethane) ("R170") has a lower GWP value of approximately 1.

[0041] The GWP of R1132a refrigerant (ie, vinylidene fluoride) ("R1132a") is less than 1.

[0042] R116 refrigerant (ie, hexafluoroethane) ("R116") has a higher GWP of approximately 12,200.

[0043] R23 refrigerant (ie, trifluoromethane) ("R23") has a higher GWP of about 14,800.

[0044] The traditional refrigerant composition may be an early refrigerant or a mixture thereof having a relatively high GWP, a high safety risk, etc. However, due to environmental impact, safety issues or other similar reasons, such traditional refrigerant compositions are planned to be phased out. Traditional refrigerants include R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.

[0045] Embodiments herein relate to refrigerant compositions, methods for modifying refrigerant compositions, and methods for preparing refrigerant compositions. The refrigerant composition includes R1150, R170, and a third refrigerant. The third refrigerant is R1270 or R1132a. The refrigerant composition can replace traditional refrigerants such as R23 and R116, while having a GWP lower than R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.

[0046] In some embodiments described herein, the refrigerant compositions of the present invention have the same and / or similar performance characteristics as conventional refrigerant compositions (e.g., COP, CAP, CDT, temperature glide, flammability, etc.). This may allow the refrigerant compositions to be used in existing HVACR systems without requiring major modifications to the HVACR system and / or replacement of components of the HVACR system (i.e., may be drop-in replacements).

[0047] In some embodiments described herein, the refrigerant compositions of the present invention improve one or more performance characteristics over existing refrigerants. In one embodiment, the refrigerant composition has a performance of smaller temperature glide. Smaller temperature glide can provide a more uniform temperature distribution in the condenser and / or evaporator using the refrigerant composition of the present invention. More uniform temperature distribution in the condenser / evaporator can improve equipment operation control and / or increase heat transfer rate in the condenser / evaporator. In one embodiment, the refrigerant composition of the present invention has a higher COP and / or a higher CAP compared to existing refrigerant compositions, thereby improving performance. Higher COP and higher CAP can respectively increase the efficiency and cooling capacity of the HVACR system. In another embodiment, the refrigerant composition of the present invention has the same or similar COP and / or CAP as the existing refrigerant composition that is replaced, modified, etc. In such an embodiment, the refrigerant composition can be used to provide a lower GWP, improve safety, and alleviate the shortage of existing refrigerants.

[0048] In some embodiments described herein, the refrigerant composition is a retrofit refrigerant composition that replaces an existing refrigerant in an HVACR system. The retrofit refrigerant composition is obtained by adding at least one refrigerant to the existing refrigerant. For example, the HVACR system is designed to use the existing refrigerant. In one embodiment, the retrofit refrigerant composition has the same or similar cooling capacity as the existing refrigerant composition. For example, compared to the existing refrigerant being replaced, the retrofit refrigerant composition has at least a lower GWP and / or other improved performance (e.g., the same or superior COP, CAP, CDT, etc.).

[0049] In one embodiment, the refrigerant composition consists of or consists essentially of or comprises R1150, R170 and a third refrigerant. The third refrigerant is R1270 or R1132a. The refrigerant composition may be mixed with impurities, contaminants, additives or the like.

[0050] In one embodiment, an existing refrigerant composition in an HVACR system is modified to obtain a modified refrigerant composition. The modification includes adding a certain amount of at least one refrigerant to the existing refrigerant. The modified refrigerant composition is an embodiment of the refrigerant composition of the present invention. The existing refrigerant composition includes one or more of R1270, R1132a, R1150, and R170.

[0051] In some embodiments, the refrigerant composition is selected to have one or more desired properties, including but not limited to GWP, relative CAP (refrigerating capacity relative to traditional refrigerants), temperature glide, COP, relative CDT (condenser discharge temperature relative to traditional refrigerants), etc., or a combination thereof.

[0052] In some embodiments, the cooling capacity of the refrigerant composition of the present invention differs from the cooling capacity of R23 by or about or less than 50%, 25%, 15%, 10%, 5% or 1%.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cooling capacity of the refrigerant composition of the present invention differs from the cooling capacity of R116 by equal to or approximately equal to or less than 50%, 25%, 15%, 10%, 5% or 1%.

[0054] In some embodiments, the temperature glide of the refrigerant composition may have a temperature glide of equal to or approximately equal to or less than 20K. The temperature glide of the refrigerant composition may have a temperature glide of equal to or approximately equal to or less than 10K. The temperature glide of the refrigerant composition may have a temperature glide of equal to or approximately equal to or less than 5K. The temperature glide of the refrigerant composition may have a temperature glide of equal to or approximately equal to or less than 3K. The temperature glide of the refrigerant composition may have a temperature glide of equal to or approximately equal to or less than 2K. The temperature glide of the refrigerant composition may have a temperature glide of equal to or approximately equal to or less than 1.5K. The temperature glide of the refrigerant composition may have a temperature glide of equal to or approximately equal to or less than 1K. The temperature glide of the refrigerant composition may have a temperature glide of equal to or approximately equal to or less than 0.5K.

[0055] In some embodiments, the COP of the refrigerant composition may be at least 0.7 relative to existing refrigerant compositions (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The COP of the refrigerant composition may be at least 0.8. The COP of the refrigerant composition may be at least 0.9. The COP of the refrigerant composition may be at least 0.94. The COP of the refrigerant composition may be at least 0.95. The COP of the refrigerant composition may be at least 0.96. The COP of the refrigerant composition may be at least 0.97. The COP of the refrigerant composition may be at least 0.975. The COP of the refrigerant composition may be at least 0.983. The COP of the refrigerant composition may be at least 0.99. The COP of the refrigerant composition may be at least 1.0. The COP of the refrigerant composition may be at least 1.01. The COP of the refrigerant composition may be at least 1.02. The COP of the refrigerant composition may be at least 1.025. The refrigerant composition may have a COP of at least 1.050. The refrigerant composition may have a COP of at least 1.075. The refrigerant composition may have a COP of at least 1.09. The refrigerant composition may have a COP of at least 1.1. The refrigerant composition may have a COP of at least 1.2. The refrigerant composition may have a COP of at least 1.5. The refrigerant composition may have a COP of at least 2.0. The refrigerant composition may have a COP of at least 3.0.

[0056] HVACR systems may be designed to utilize specific existing refrigerants (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). For such HVACR systems that utilize a refrigerant composition whose CAP is less than a threshold percentage of the refrigeration capacity of the specific existing refrigerant, it may be necessary to modify the HVACR system. Such modifications may include replacing or modifying the compressor to have a larger volumetric displacement, a larger amount of working fluid, and / or a larger temperature differential. However, such modifications may reduce the efficiency of the HVACR system.

[0057] In some embodiments, it is desirable for the refrigerant composition to have a cooling capacity equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 90% of the capacity of a particular existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). In one embodiment, a refrigerant composition contained in the working medium having a cooling capacity equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 95% of the cooling capacity of a particular existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.) can result, for example, in less impact on the efficiency of a HVACR system designed based on a particular existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.).

[0058] In some embodiments, it is desirable for the refrigerant composition to have a refrigeration capacity equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 50% of the refrigeration capacity of a particular existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 50% of the refrigeration capacity of a particular existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 75% of the refrigeration capacity of a particular existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 100% of the refrigeration capacity of a particular existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 100% of the refrigeration capacity of a specific existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 125% of the refrigeration capacity of a specific existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 150% of the refrigeration capacity of a specific existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 175% of the refrigeration capacity of a specific existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 200% of the refrigeration capacity of a specific existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 225% of the refrigeration capacity of a specific existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 130% of the refrigeration capacity of a specific existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 150% of the refrigeration capacity of a specific existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 170% of the refrigeration capacity of a specific existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 190% of the refrigeration capacity of a specific existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 210% of the refrigeration capacity of a specific existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 230% of the refrigeration capacity of a specific existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.).

[0059] In one embodiment, the HVACR system may be designed to utilize a specific existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.) Such an HVACR system may use, for example, a refrigerant composition having a CAP within 10% of the cooling capacity of the specific existing refrigerant with no or minimal impact on efficiency and may require minimal or no modification.

[0060] A refrigerant composition having a cooling capacity within or about 10% or less than 10% of the cooling capacity of a particular existing refrigerant can result in, for example, minimal impact on the efficiency of an HVACR system designed according to a particular refrigerant. In some embodiments, the CAP of the refrigerant composition can be within 10% of the cooling capacity of a particular existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). In some embodiments, the CAP of the refrigerant composition can be within 5% of the cooling capacity of a particular existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). In some embodiments, the CAP of the refrigerant composition can be within 3% of the cooling capacity of a particular existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). In some embodiments, the CAP of the refrigerant composition can be within 2% of the cooling capacity of a particular existing refrigerant (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.). In some embodiments, the CAP of the refrigerant composition may be within 1% of the refrigeration capacity of a particular existing refrigerant (eg, R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.).

[0061] The properties of the refrigerant composition can be related to the properties of refrigerants such as R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc. In some embodiments, one or more properties of the refrigerant composition can be simulated and / or estimated by a vapor compression thermodynamic cycle tool that uses the Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Database (REFPROP) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to calculate thermodynamic properties. It is understood that the refrigerant composition is not limited to retrofitting a specific existing refrigerant and can be used in HVACR systems designed based on the refrigerant composition and / or other refrigerant compositions.

[0062] With respect to the amount of refrigerant, "about" generally allows a maximum 1% variation from the stated value, rounded to the nearest integer. It is understood that being equal to or approximately greater than zero to being equal to or approximately equal to a certain amount of the refrigerant includes being equal to or approximately equal to the stated amount, and a range from being greater than zero to being equal to or approximately equal to the stated amount. It is further understood that being equal to or approximately equal to a certain amount of the refrigerant to less than 100% of the refrigerant includes being equal to or approximately equal to the stated amount, and a range from being less than 100% to being equal to or approximately equal to the stated amount.

[0063] HVACR systems can be used to cool or heat one or more specific spaces. For example, an HVACR system can cool an area by doing work on a refrigerant, exchanging heat with the air to cool the air. The cooled air can then be circulated to the specific space to cool the specific space. In some embodiments, the specific space can be a residential, commercial, industrial, public, laboratory building, etc. In some embodiments, the specific space can be a transportation assembly, such as a space in a car, truck, bus, train or light rail car, container, van, ship, boat, etc.

[0064] The "working medium" flows in the refrigeration cycle loop, and at least a portion of the working medium evaporates and condenses to provide heat transfer. The working medium may include a refrigerant composition, which includes two or more components, a mixture of compounds, a refrigerant, a refrigerant blend, a refrigerant composition, etc. In some embodiments, the refrigerant or refrigerant composition as part of the working medium undergoes a phase change, such as a conversion between a liquid state and a vapor state, in one or more vapor compression cycles in the HVACR system.

[0065] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant circuit 100 of an HVACR system 105 according to an embodiment. The refrigerant circuit 100 includes a compressor 120, a condenser 130, an expansion device 140, and an evaporator 150. In one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 100 can be modified to add additional components. For example, in one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 100 can include one or more economizer heat exchangers, flow control devices, receiving tanks, dryers, heat recovery devices, etc. The refrigerant circuit 100 is a vapor compression circuit. In one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 100 can have a single stage, two stages, or more than two stages of compression.

[0066] The components of the refrigerant circuit 100 are fluidly connected. The refrigerant circuit 100 can be configured as a cooling system (e.g., a fluid cooler of HVACR, an air conditioning system, etc.) that can operate in a cooling mode. The refrigerant circuit 100 can also operate as a heat pump system that can operate in a cooling mode and / or a heating mode. The refrigerant circuit 100 can also operate in heating, cooling, dehumidification, freezing, etc. modes.

[0067] The refrigerant circuit 100 is adapted to known gas compression and heat transfer principles. The refrigerant circuit can be configured to heat or cool a process fluid (e.g., water, air). In one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 100 can represent a chiller for cooling a process fluid such as water. In one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 100 can represent an air conditioner and / or heat pump including a process fluid such as air.

[0068] During an exemplary operation of the refrigerant circuit 100, the working fluid flows from the evaporator 150 to the compressor 120 in a gaseous state at a relatively low pressure. The compressor 120 compresses the gas to a high pressure state, while also heating the gas. After compression, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas flows from the compressor 120 to the condenser 130. In addition to the refrigerant flowing through the condenser 130, an external fluid (e.g., external air, external water, water from a cooler, etc.) also flows through the condenser 130. The external fluid absorbs heat from the working fluid flowing through the condenser 130. The working fluid condenses into a liquid and then flows into the expansion device 140. The expansion device 140 reduces the pressure of the working fluid. The pressure reduction causes the working fluid to expand and convert into a mixed state of vapor and liquid. Then, the relatively low-temperature vapor / liquid working fluid flows into the evaporator 150. The process fluid (e.g., air, water, cooler liquid, etc.) also flows through the evaporator 150. According to known principles, the working fluid absorbs heat from the process fluid flowing through the evaporator 150. The working fluid absorbs heat while evaporating into a vapor state. The working fluid then returns to the compressor 120. The above process continues while the refrigerant circuit 100 is operating (eg, in cooling mode).

[0069] The refrigerant compositions and methods described herein can be applied to the refrigerant circuit 100 of the HVACR system 105. For example, the method of retrofitting an existing refrigerant composition can be applied to Figure 1 In addition, the refrigeration composition described herein can be used in Figure 1 In addition, the method for modifying the refrigerant composition described herein can also be used for Figure 1 Modification of the working fluid in the refrigerant circuit 100.

[0070] In another embodiment, Figure 1The refrigerant circuit 100 in the HVACR system 105 can be a lower-level circuit in the cascade refrigerant cycle. In such an embodiment, the condenser 130 can be a cascade heat exchanger arranged in the refrigerant circuit 100 and the second refrigerant circuit (not shown) at the same time. For example, the condenser 130 is an evaporator of the second refrigerant circuit, which uses the second refrigerant in the second refrigerant circuit to cool the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 100 (for example, the process fluid in the condenser 130 is the second refrigerant). The working fluid contains a refrigerant composition. In some embodiments, the refrigerant composition can be a part of the working fluid that undergoes a phase change in the refrigerant circuit 100, such as a transition between a liquid state and a vapor state. It can be understood that the refrigerant composition can be composed of or substantially composed of R1150, R170 and a third refrigerant or includes R1150, R170 and a third refrigerant. The third refrigerant is R1270 or R1132a. It should be noted that in addition to the refrigerant composition, the working fluid can also include one or more additional non-refrigerant components. Additional components can be, for example, impurities, lubricants, refrigeration system additives, tracers, ultraviolet ("UV") dyes, solubilizers, and the like. Generally, these additional components are in small amounts relative to the refrigerant composition. For example, each additional component may comprise up to 3% of the working fluid. The working fluid may contain 5% by weight or about 5% by weight or less than 5% by weight of certain additives, such as lubricants, at a particular location in a heat transfer loop or in a piece of equipment, depending on the composition of the working fluid. In one embodiment, in addition to the refrigerant composition described below, one or more additional components are added.

[0071] Figure 2-5 The matrices 200, 400 of refrigerant compositions of R1150, R170 and a third refrigerant are shown, respectively. In one embodiment, the refrigerant composition may consist of or consist essentially of R1150, R170 and a third refrigerant. The third refrigerant is R1270 or R1132A. In each matrix 200, 400, the properties of the refrigerant composition are plotted as a function of the weight percentage (wt%) of each of R1150, R170 and the third refrigerant. Based on the experimental results, a thermodynamic model is used to determine the properties of the refrigerant compositions in the matrices 200, 400. Each matrix 200, 400 can also be used in a method for preparing a refrigerant composition and / or a method for modifying an existing refrigerant composition, so that the resulting refrigerant composition or the modified refrigerant composition has one or more desired properties.

[0072] Figure 2 and Figure 3Matrix 200 of refrigerant compositions consisting of R1150, R170 and R1270, and graphs of relative CDT, relative capacity and temperature glide curves. The relative CDT and relative cooling capacity in matrix 200 are compared to R23 refrigerant. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , each side 210, 220, 230 of the triangle corresponds to a weight percentage (wt%) of R1150, R170, and R1270, respectively. R1270 is the third refrigerant in the refrigerant composition of the matrix 200. Each vertex 211, 221, 231 corresponds to a composition of 100 wt% R1150, 100 wt% R170, and 100 wt% R1270, respectively. For example, vertex 211 corresponds to a composition of 100 wt% R1150, vertex 221 corresponds to a composition of 100 wt% R170, and vertex 231 corresponds to a composition of 100 wt% R1270.

[0073] The properties of the refrigerant compositions (eg, CDT, CAP, and temperature glide) at corresponding weight percentages of R1150, R170, and R1270 may be determined using the matrix 200 .

[0074] The relative CDT is the difference between the condenser discharge temperature of the refrigerant composition and the condenser discharge temperature of R23 (e.g., the change in discharge temperature between the refrigerant composition and R23 when used in the same refrigerant circuit). Figure 2 and Figure 3 Indicated as "CDT*" and "*Baseline = R23".

[0075] Relative CAP is the percentage difference between the cooling capacity of the refrigerant composition and the cooling capacity of R23. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Indicated by “CAP*” and “*Baseline=R23”.

[0076] Temperature glide is the temperature difference between the saturated vapor temperature and the saturated liquid temperature at a given pressure. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the case of temperature glide, the temperature is transferred in the condenser (e.g. Figure 1 The operating pressure of the condenser 130) is determined at Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is represented by “slip C”.

[0077] Figure 2The lines included in the matrix 200 represent the characteristics of the refrigerant compositions of R1150, R170 and R1270 with respect to different weight percentages. In one embodiment, the refrigeration capacity of the existing refrigerants (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.), the compositions, the blends, etc. can be selected. Figure 2 The refrigerant composition shown. For example, Figure 2 The line 250 (or line segment 250) in FIG. 2 represents a refrigerant composition having the same cooling capacity as R23. The line 251 (or line segment 251) represents a refrigerant composition having a cooling capacity equal to or about 125% of the cooling capacity of R23. The line 252 (or line segment 252) represents a refrigerant composition having a cooling capacity equal to or about 75% of the cooling capacity of R23. For example, Figure 2 The cooling capacity of the refrigerant composition on or within the 251 and 252 lines is equal to or within about 25% of the cooling capacity of R23. For example, Figure 2 The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition on or within the 253 and 254 lines is equal to or within about 10% of the refrigeration capacity of R23.

[0078] In one embodiment, the refrigerant combination may be selected based on the temperature glide curve. Figure 2 The refrigerant composition shown. It can be understood that for the refrigerant composition in the working fluid of the HVACR system, a smaller temperature glide is generally preferred. For example, in one embodiment, the desired temperature glide reaches or is about or is less than a certain degree. Figure 2 , line 260 (or line segment 260) represents a refrigerant composition having a temperature glide of 5 K or about 5 K. For example, line 261 (or line segment 261) represents a refrigerant composition having a temperature glide of 2.5 K or about 2.5 K. The area bounded by line 260 and line 261 represents refrigerant compositions having a temperature glide between 2.5 K or about 2.5 K and 5 K or about 5 K.

[0079] In one embodiment, the refrigerant combination can be selected based on the CDT curve. Figure 2 For example, in one embodiment, it is desired that the relative CDT reaches or is approximately or is less than a certain level (e.g., 5K). For example, line 270 (or line segment 270) represents Figure 2 A refrigerant composition having a relative CDT equal to or about 0 K (i.e., a condenser discharge temperature of the refrigerant composition that is the same as or similar to the condenser discharge temperature of R23). Line 271 (or line segment 271) represents Figure 2 The area within the lines 270 and 271 represents a refrigerant composition having a relative CDT of 2.5 K or about 2.5 K (i.e., the condenser discharge temperature of the refrigerant composition is 2.5 K or about 2.5 K higher than the condenser discharge temperature of R23). Figure 2A refrigerant composition having a relative CDT from 0 K or about 0 K to 2.5 K or about 2.5 K.

[0080] Figure 3 is Figure 2 The refrigerant composition selected in the matrix 200 according to one embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant composition may include (ie, consist of, consist essentially of, or contain) R1150, R170, and R1270.

[0081] The selection of the refrigerant composition may be based on one or more characteristics of the refrigerant combination, such as cooling capacity relative to R23, temperature glide, and / or CDT.

[0082] In one embodiment, a set of desirable properties of a refrigerant that can be used includes a cooling capacity that differs from that of R23 by 25% or less. In such an embodiment, a range of refrigerant compositions that can be used are located at Figure 3 290 zone. The 290 zone includes the 291 zone, the 292 zone, and the 293 zone. The usable refrigerant composition in the 290 zone includes greater than zero to equal to or about 56 weight % of R1270, greater than zero to equal to or about 74 weight % of R1150, and greater than zero to less than 100 weight % of R170. In one embodiment, the refrigerant composition in the 290 zone can be used to replace R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc., or to be used for retrofitting HVACR systems constructed to use R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc.

[0083] In one embodiment, the desired set of characteristics may further include a temperature glide equal to or about equal to or less than 10 K. In such an embodiment, the available refrigerant compositions in region 290 may include preferred refrigerant compositions in region 291, whose temperature glide is at or about or less than 10 K. Region 291 is separated from region 292 by line 263, which corresponds to a refrigerant composition having a temperature glide of 10 K. A first preferred refrigerant composition in region 291 includes an R127 ratio greater than zero to equal to or about 25 wt%, R1150 greater than zero to equal to or about 36 wt%, and R170 equal to or about 50 wt% to less than 100 wt%.

[0084] In one embodiment, another set of characteristics required may further include a refrigeration capacity that differs from the refrigeration capacity of R23 by 10%. In such an embodiment, the second preferred composition in zone 290 may include the refrigerant composition represented in zone 293. The refrigerant composition in zone 293 includes R1270 equal to or about 7% by weight to equal to or about 20% by weight, R1150 greater than zero to equal to or about 27% by weight, and R170 equal to or about 61% by weight to equal to or about 92% by weight. The selection range of R1150, R170 and R1270 in the refrigerant composition can be based on one or more characteristics discussed herein (e.g., CDT, CAP, and / or temperature glide described herein). In one embodiment, one or more characteristics are CDT, refrigeration capacity and temperature glide discussed herein. In one embodiment, one or more characteristics are CDT and refrigeration capacity discussed herein. In one embodiment, one or more characteristics are CDT and temperature glide discussed herein. In one embodiment, one or more characteristics are CDT and temperature glide discussed herein. In one embodiment, one or more characteristics are refrigeration capacity and temperature glide discussed herein. In one embodiment, the one or more properties are COP, cooling capacity or temperature glide as discussed herein. For refrigerant compositions having one or more of the above properties, the Figure 2 Select the proportion range of R1150, R170, and R1270.

[0085] Figure 4 A matrix 400 of refrigerant compositions including R1150, R170, and R1132a is shown along with relative COP, relative CAP, and temperature glide graphs plotted according to an embodiment. Figure 4 The relative COP and relative CAP are relative to R23.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown, each side 410, 420, 430 of the triangle corresponds to the weight percentage (wt%) of R1150, R170, and R1132a, respectively. Each vertex 411, 421, 431 corresponds to a composition of 100 wt% R1150, 100 wt% R170, and 100 wt% R1132a, respectively. For example, vertex 411 corresponds to a composition of 100 wt% R1150; vertex 421 corresponds to a composition of 100 wt% R170; and vertex 431 corresponds to a composition of 100 wt% R1132a.

[0087] The properties (eg, relative COP, relative CAP, and temperature glide) of a refrigerant composition having certain weight percentages of R1150, R170, and R1132a may be determined using the matrix 400 .

[0088] Relative COP is the percentage difference between the coefficient of performance of the refrigerant composition and the coefficient of performance of R23. Figure 4-5 Indicated by “COP*” and “*baseline=R23”.

[0089] Relative CAP is the percentage difference between the cooling capacity of the refrigerant composition and the cooling capacity of R23. Figure 4 Indicated by “CAP*” and “*Baseline=R23”.

[0090] Temperature glide is the temperature difference between the saturated vapor temperature and the saturated liquid temperature at a given pressure. Figure 4-5 The pressure in the evaporator (such as Figure 1 The working pressure of the evaporator 150) is Figure 4-5 It is represented by “slip E” in the text.

[0091] Figure 4 The lines included in the matrix 400 represent the characteristics (eg, cooling capacity, temperature glide, and coefficient of performance relative to R23) of the refrigerant compositions of R1150, R170, and R1132a at different weight percentages, respectively.

[0092] In one embodiment, the COP can be selected Figure 4 The COP of the refrigerant composition shown in is relative to the COP of R23. For example, Figure 4 The line 450 (or line segment 450) in FIG. 4 represents a refrigerant composition having the same COP as R23 (e.g., a COP of 1). The line 451 (or line segment 451) represents Figure 4 The COP of the refrigerant composition is 2.5% lower than that of R23. Line 452 (or line segment 452) represents Figure 4 A refrigerant composition having a COP 2.5% higher than that of R23. Figure 4 As shown in , the area between line 451 and line 452 indicates that the coefficient of performance of the refrigerant composition can be equal to or less than 2.5% relative to the coefficient of performance of R23. Figure 4 As shown in , the area above line 453 indicates that the coefficient of performance of the refrigerant composition may be equal to or about 95% or greater than 95% relative to the coefficient of performance of R23.

[0093] Refrigerant compositions with coefficients of performance that are the same as or similar to R23 can be used as the working medium in HVACR systems designed for R23, with little or no modification required to the HVACR system equipment.

[0094] In one embodiment, the cooling capacity can be selected Figure 4 The corresponding refrigerant composition in has a cooling capacity relative to that of R23. For example, Figure 4The line 460 (or line segment 460) in FIG. 4 represents a refrigerant composition having a cooling capacity that is 40% or approximately 40% greater than the cooling capacity of R23. Figure 4 The line 461 (or line segment 461) in FIG. 4 represents a refrigerant composition having a cooling capacity equal to or about 160% of the cooling capacity of R23. Figure 4 As shown, the area between line 460 and line 461 represents refrigerant compositions having a cooling capacity between 40% or about 40% and 60% or about 60% greater than the cooling capacity of R23.

[0095] In one embodiment, the refrigerant composition may be selected based on the temperature glide Figure 4 The corresponding refrigerant composition in . Line 470 (or line segment 470) and line 471 (or line segment 471) respectively represent the refrigerant composition with a slip of 1K or about 1K. Line 472 (or line segment 472) and line 473 (or line segment 473) respectively represent Figure 4 In one embodiment, the area between line 470 and line 472 and the area between line 471 and line 473 represent refrigerant compositions with a glide between 1 K or about 1 K and 2 K or about 2 K.

[0096] Figure 5 is Figure 4 The refrigerant composition selected in the matrix 400 according to one embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, the refrigerant composition includes R1150, R170, and R1132a.

[0097] The refrigerant composition may be selected based on one or more properties of the refrigerant composition, such as COP, CAP, and / or temperature glide relative to R23.

[0098] In one embodiment, a desired set of properties of a usable refrigerant composition includes a relative COP equal to or about equal to or greater than 85% of R23, a CAP relative to R23 within a predetermined range, and / or a temperature glide within a predetermined range. In such an embodiment, a range of usable refrigerant compositions is located in Figure 5 Area 490 includes area 491 and area 492. Area 490 includes the area to the right of line 454 and the area on the line. Figure 5 Line 454 in represents a refrigerant composition having a COP equal to or approximately equal to 85% of R23.

[0099] Useful refrigerant compositions in the 490 region include greater than zero to equal to or about equal to or less than 82 weight percent R1132a, greater than zero to less than 100 weight percent R1150, and greater than zero to less than 100 weight percent R170. In one embodiment, the refrigerant composition in the 490 region can be used to replace R23, R116, R508A and / or R508B, or to retrofit an HVACR system constructed to use R23, R116, R508A and / or R508B or similar refrigerants.

[0100] In one embodiment, the desired set of characteristics may further include a relative COP equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 95% of R23. In such an embodiment, regions 492 and 493 represent a first preferred refrigerant composition having a relative COP equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 95% of R23. Line 453 separates regions 492 and 493 from region 491, which represents a refrigerant composition having a relative COP equal to or approximately equal to 95% of R23.

[0101] The first preferred refrigerant composition in zones 492 and 493 includes greater than zero to equal to or approximately equal to or less than 62 wt% R1132a, greater than zero and less than 100 wt% R1150, and equal to or approximately equal to 15 wt% or greater than 15 wt% and less than 100 wt% R170. In one embodiment, the refrigerant composition in zones 491 and 492 can be preferably used to replace R23, R116, R508A, R508B, or to be retrofitted to an HVACR system constructed to use R23, R116, R508A, R508B or similar refrigerants.

[0102] In one embodiment, the desired set of characteristics may further include a relative COP equal to or about equal to or greater than 97.5% of R23. In such an embodiment, region 493 represents a second preferred refrigerant composition having a relative COP equal to or about equal to or greater than 97.5% of R23. Region 493 is separated from region 492 by line 451, which represents a refrigerant composition having a relative COP equal to or about 97.5% of R23.

[0103] A second preferred refrigerant composition in zone 493 includes greater than zero to equal to or approximately equal to or less than 53 wt % R1132a, greater than zero to less than 100 wt % R1150, and equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 36 wt % to less than 100 wt % R170.

[0104] In one embodiment, the refrigerant composition in zone 490 may be preferably used to replace R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc., or to retrofit an HVACR system constructed to use R23, R116, R508A, R508B, etc. or similar refrigerants.

[0105] The selection range of R1150, R170 and R1132a in the refrigerant composition can be based on one or more characteristics discussed herein (e.g., COP, cooling capacity and / or temperature glide discussed herein). In one embodiment, the one or more characteristics are COP, cooling capacity and temperature glide discussed herein. In one embodiment, the one or more characteristics are COP and cooling capacity discussed herein. In one embodiment, the one or more characteristics are COP and temperature glide discussed herein. In one embodiment, the one or more characteristics are COP and temperature glide discussed herein. In one embodiment, the one or more characteristics are COP, cooling capacity or temperature glide discussed herein. For refrigerant compositions having one or more of the above characteristics, the selection range can be based on Figure 4 Select the proportion range of R1150, R170 and R1132a.

[0106] The present invention discloses a method for preparing Figure 2-5 The method may include mixing one or more chemicals, one or more refrigerants and / or one or more existing refrigerant compositions to obtain Figure 2-5 The refrigerant composition shown.

[0107] The present invention discloses a method for retrofitting an HVACR system containing an existing refrigerant composition to obtain Figure 2-5 The method of the refrigerant composition shown and described. The refrigerant composition prepared to replace and / or modify an existing refrigerant composition, or a system designed to use an existing refrigerant composition, can be referred to as a modified refrigerant composition. For example, the existing refrigerant composition can be a similar refrigerant such as R150, R170, R1132a, R1150, R23, or one or two of R1150, R170 and a third refrigerant. The third refrigerant can be R1270 or R1132a. The method may include replacing at least a portion of the existing refrigerant composition to obtain a modified refrigerant composition.

[0108] In one embodiment, the retrofitting of an HVACR system may include removing (e.g., gradually reducing) an amount of an existing composition from the HVACR system and adding one or more refrigerants (e.g., R1270, R1150, R170, and R1132a) to obtain a retrofitted refrigerant composition that is one of the refrigerant compositions shown and described herein. For example, an HVACR system using R1150 may be retrofitted by removing an amount of the existing refrigerant composition from the HVACR system and adding R170 and a third refrigerant (e.g., R1270 or R1132a) to the HVACR system, such that the resulting working medium in the HVACR system contains, for example, Figure 2-5Refrigerant composition shown. For example, the HVACR system may be designed to use R23, but currently uses R1150 to reduce the GWP. Retrofitting the HVACR system may increase cooling capacity and / or efficiency with little impact on the GWP of the resulting working medium compared to the GWP of R1150.

[0109] In one embodiment, the HVACR system can be designed to use an existing refrigerant composition (e.g., R23, R116, R508A, R508B, or the like) and retrofitted to, for example, a system with a lower GWP. The retrofitting of the HVACR system can include removing (e.g., removing) the existing refrigerant composition from the HVACR, and adding one or more refrigerants can be one of the refrigerant compositions disclosed herein. For example, such retrofitting can result in a refrigerant composition having similar cooling capacity (e.g., compared to the previous refrigerant), COP, or other similar properties, while being able to reduce GWP.

[0110] In some embodiments, the performance characteristics of the refrigerant composition can be simulated and / or estimated by thermodynamic cycle calculation tools, such as using NIST's REFPROP to calculate thermodynamic properties. It should be noted that the refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition can be determined by, for example, measuring in the laboratory and / or simulating in a computer based on previously measured and / or determined properties of each refrigerant in the refrigerant composition.

[0111] For example, the operating conditions in Table 1 below can be used to provide operating conditions relative to the cooling capacity of R23 and the compressor discharge temperature. In the table, Tevap is the saturation temperature of R23 in the evaporator. TCond is the saturation temperature of R23 in the condenser. DTSH is the discharge temperature superheat, or the compressor suction superheat. DTSC is the subcooling temperature at the inlet of the expander or expansion device. ηCmpr is the coefficient of performance of the compressor using R23.

[0112] Table 1: Performance operating conditions relative to R23

[0113] TEvap-86.1℃

[0114] TCond-23.9℃

[0115] DTSH6.7℃

[0116] DTSC0℃

[0117] ηCmpr 0.6

[0118] *Condenser / evaporator heat exchanger sliding weighted at midpoint

[0119] In some embodiments, a refrigerant composition designed to replace an existing refrigerant composition in a HVACR system designed to use the existing refrigerant composition may be referred to as a retrofit refrigerant or a retrofit refrigerant composition. In some embodiments, a working medium containing an existing refrigerant composition may be retrofitted to obtain the refrigerant composition disclosed herein.

[0120] In one embodiment, a working medium containing an existing refrigerant composition can be retrofitted to obtain a working medium containing the disclosed refrigerant composition, for example by mixing one or more chemicals and / or one or more refrigerants of the disclosed refrigerant composition. In one embodiment, a working medium containing the disclosed refrigerant composition can be used in an HVACR system designed for an existing refrigerant composition.

[0121] Aspects: Any of aspects 1-18 may be combined with any of aspects 19-29. Aspect 30 or 31 may be combined with any of aspects 1-29.

[0122] Aspect 1. A refrigerant composition for a HVACR system, comprising:

[0123] R1150; R170 refrigerant and the third refrigerant;

[0124] The third refrigerant is one of R1132a refrigerant and R1270 refrigerant, and the proportion of R1270 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or approximately equal to 56% by weight.

[0125] Aspect 2. The refrigerant composition of aspect 1, wherein the refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 50% of the refrigeration capacity of the existing refrigerant composition.

[0126] Aspect 3. The refrigerant composition of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 75% of the refrigeration capacity of the existing refrigerant composition.

[0127] Aspect 4. The refrigerant composition according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 125% of the refrigeration capacity of the existing refrigerant composition.

[0128] Aspect 5. The refrigerant composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 130% of the refrigeration capacity of the existing refrigerant composition.

[0129] Aspect 6. The refrigerant composition of any one of Aspects 1-5, wherein the coefficient of performance of the refrigerant composition is equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than 150% of the coefficient of performance of an existing refrigerant composition.

[0130] Aspect 7. The refrigerant composition of any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the coefficient of performance of the refrigerant composition is equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than 85% of the coefficient of performance of an existing refrigerant composition.

[0131] Aspect 8. The refrigerant composition of any one of Aspects 1-7, wherein the coefficient of performance of the refrigerant composition is equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than 95% of the coefficient of performance of existing refrigerant compositions.

[0132] Aspect 9. The refrigerant composition of any one of Aspects 1-8, wherein the coefficient of performance of the refrigerant composition is equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than 97.5% of the coefficient of performance of existing refrigerant compositions.

[0133] Aspect 10. The refrigerant composition of any one of Aspects 1-9, wherein the coefficient of performance of the refrigerant composition is equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than 98% of the coefficient of performance of existing refrigerant compositions.

[0134] Aspect 11. The refrigerant composition of any one of Aspects 1-10, wherein the coefficient of performance of the refrigerant composition is equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than 99% of the coefficient of performance of existing refrigerant compositions.

[0135] Aspect 12. The refrigerant composition of any one of Aspects 1-11, wherein the coefficient of performance of the refrigerant composition is equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than 100% of the coefficient of performance of an existing refrigerant composition.

[0136] Aspect 13. The refrigerant composition of any one of Aspects 1-12, wherein the condenser discharge temperature of the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to the condenser discharge temperature of the existing refrigerant composition or is within 10K of the condenser discharge temperature of the existing refrigerant composition.

[0137] Aspect 14. The refrigerant composition of any one of Aspects 1-13, wherein the refrigerant composition has a temperature glide equal to, approximately equal to, or less than 10K.

[0138] Aspect 15. The refrigerant composition of any one of Aspects 1-14, wherein the refrigerant composition has a temperature glide equal to, approximately equal to, or less than 5K.

[0139] Aspect 16. The refrigerant composition of any one of Aspects 1-15, wherein the refrigerant composition has a temperature glide equal to, approximately equal to, or less than 2.5K.

[0140] Aspect 17. The refrigerant composition described in any one of Aspects 1-16, wherein the existing refrigerant combination is R23 refrigerant, R116 refrigerant, R508A refrigerant or R508B refrigerant.

[0141] Aspect 18. The refrigerant composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 17, wherein the refrigerant composition is a retrofitted refrigerant composition.

[0142] Aspect 19. A refrigerant composition for use in a HVACR system, comprising:

[0143] R1150 refrigerant;

[0144] R170 refrigerant; and

[0145] R1270 refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R1270 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or approximately equal to 56% by weight.

[0146] Aspect 20. A refrigerant composition for use in a HVACR system, comprising:

[0147] R1150 refrigerant;

[0148] R170 refrigerant; and

[0149] R1270 refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R1270 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or approximately equal to 25% by weight.

[0150] Aspect 21. A refrigerant composition for use in a HVACR system, comprising:

[0151] R1150 refrigerant;

[0152] R170 refrigerant; and

[0153] R1270 refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R1150 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or approximately equal to 74% by weight.

[0154] Aspect 22. A refrigerant composition for use in a HVACR system, comprising:

[0155] R1150 refrigerant;

[0156] R170 refrigerant; and

[0157] R1270 refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R1150 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or approximately equal to 36% by weight.

[0158] Aspect 23. A refrigerant composition for use in a HVACR system, comprising:

[0159] R1150 refrigerant;

[0160] R170 refrigerant; and

[0161] R1270 refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R170 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or approximately equal to 100 weight %.

[0162] Aspect 24. A refrigerant composition for use in a HVACR system, comprising:

[0163] R1150 refrigerant;

[0164] R170 refrigerant; and

[0165] R1270 refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R170 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or approximately equal to 50 weight %.

[0166] Aspect 25. A refrigerant composition for use in a HVACR system, comprising:

[0167] R1150 refrigerant;

[0168] R170 refrigerant; and

[0169] R1132a refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R1132a refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or less than 82 weight %.

[0170] Aspect 26. A refrigerant composition for use in a HVACR system, comprising:

[0171] R1150 refrigerant;

[0172] R170 refrigerant; and

[0173] R1132a refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R1132a refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or less than 62 weight %.

[0174] Aspect 27. A refrigerant composition for use in a HVACR system, comprising:

[0175] R1150 refrigerant;

[0176] R170 refrigerant; and

[0177] R1132a refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R1132a refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or less than 53 weight %.

[0178] Aspect 28. A refrigerant composition for use in a HVACR system, comprising:

[0179] R1150 refrigerant;

[0180] R170 refrigerant; and

[0181] R1132a refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R170 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 15 weight % and less than 100 weight %.

[0182] Aspect 29. A refrigerant composition for use in a HVACR system, comprising:

[0183] R1150 refrigerant;

[0184] R170 refrigerant; and

[0185] R1132a refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R170 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 36 weight % and less than 100 weight %.

[0186] Aspect 30. A method of preparing a refrigerant composition for use in a HVACR system, the method comprising:

[0187] A certain amount of R1150 refrigerant, a certain amount of R170 refrigerant and a certain amount of a third refrigerant are mixed, wherein the third refrigerant is one of R1270 refrigerant and R1132a refrigerant.

[0188] Aspect 31. A method of retrofitting an HVACR system containing an existing refrigerant composition, the method comprising:

[0189] A certain amount of at least one refrigerant is added to the existing refrigerant to obtain a modified refrigerant composition including R1150 refrigerant, R170 refrigerant and a third refrigerant, wherein the third refrigerant is one of the following:

[0190] R1132a refrigerant;

[0191] R1270 refrigerant, and its proportion in the modified refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or approximately equal to 56% by weight.

[0192] Aspect 32. The method of Aspect 19, wherein the refrigerant composition is any one of Aspects 1-27.

[0193] Aspect 33. The refrigerant composition described in any one of Aspects 1-27, wherein the existing refrigerant composition is R23 refrigerant.

[0194] The terms used herein are intended to describe specific embodiments and are not limiting. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms "a", "an" and "the" also include plural forms. The terms "comprise" and / or "contain", when used in this specification, specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components.

[0195] With respect to the foregoing description, it is to be understood that modifications may be made in detail, particularly in the materials of construction used and the shape, size and arrangement of components, without departing from the scope of the invention. It is to be understood that the ranges of the components in the refrigerant composition may be set in conjunction with the upper limits, lower limits and / or amounts described herein. This specification and the embodiments described are exemplary only, and the following claims indicate the true scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerant composition for use in a HVACR system, comprising: R1150; R170 refrigerant and the third refrigerant; The third refrigerant is one of R1132a refrigerant and R1270 refrigerant, and the proportion of R1270 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or approximately equal to 56% by weight.

2. The refrigerant composition according to claim 1, wherein The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 75% of the refrigeration capacity of R23 refrigerant.

3. The refrigerant composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 125% of the refrigeration capacity of R23 refrigerant.

4. The refrigerant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The coefficient of performance of the refrigerant composition is equal to or about equal to or greater than 95% of the coefficient of performance of R23 refrigerant.

5. The refrigerant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The coefficient of performance of the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 100% of the coefficient of performance of R23 refrigerant.

6. The refrigerant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The condenser discharge temperature of the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to the condenser discharge temperature of R23 refrigerant or is within 10K of the condenser discharge temperature of R23 refrigerant.

7. The refrigerant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The temperature glide of the refrigerant composition is equal to, approximately equal to, or less than 5K.

8. The refrigerant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The temperature glide of the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or less than 2.5K.

9. The refrigerant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The third refrigerant is R1270 refrigerant, and its proportion in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or approximately equal to 25 weight %.

10. The refrigerant composition according to claim 9, wherein The third refrigerant is R1270 refrigerant, and the proportion of R1150 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or approximately equal to 36 weight %.

11. The refrigerant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The third refrigerant is R1270 refrigerant, and the proportion of R1150 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or approximately equal to 74 weight %.

12. The refrigerant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The third refrigerant is R1270 refrigerant, and the proportion of R1150 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or approximately equal to 36 weight %.

13. The refrigerant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The third refrigerant is R1270 refrigerant, and the proportion of R170 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 50 weight %.

14. The refrigerant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The third refrigerant is R1132a refrigerant, and the proportion of R1132a refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and equal to or approximately equal to or less than 82 weight %.

15. The refrigerant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The third refrigerant is R1132a refrigerant, and the proportion of R1132a refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and equal to or approximately equal to or less than 62 weight %.

16. The refrigerant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The third refrigerant is R1132a refrigerant, and the proportion of R1132a refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and equal to or approximately equal to or less than 53 weight %.

17. The refrigerant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: The third refrigerant is R1132a refrigerant, and the proportion of R170 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 15 wt % to 100 wt %.

18. The refrigerant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The third refrigerant is R1132a refrigerant, and the proportion of R170 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is equal to or approximately equal to or greater than 36 wt % to 100 wt %.

19. A method of preparing a refrigerant composition for use in a HVACR system, the method comprising: A certain amount of R1150 refrigerant, a certain amount of R170 refrigerant and a certain amount of a third refrigerant are mixed, and the third refrigerant is one of the following refrigerants: R1132a refrigerant and R1270 refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R1270 refrigerant in the refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or approximately equal to 56% by weight.

20. A method for retrofitting an existing refrigerant in a HVACR system, the method comprising: A certain amount of at least one refrigerant is added to the existing refrigerant to obtain a modified refrigerant composition, the refrigerant composition comprising R1150 refrigerant, R170 refrigerant and a third refrigerant, wherein the third refrigerant is one of the following refrigerants: R1132a refrigerant and R1270 refrigerant, wherein the proportion of R1270 refrigerant in the modified refrigerant composition is greater than zero and less than or equal to or approximately equal to 56% by weight.

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