Apparatus and methods for using z-1,2-difluoroethylene

HFO-1132(Z) addresses the challenges of evolving regulatory standards and performance needs in refrigerant applications by offering zero ODP, low GWP, and improved energy efficiency, making it a superior alternative to existing refrigerants.

WO2025072113A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-04-03THE CHEMOURS CO FC LLC
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/US2024/048071
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-09-29
Filing Date
2024-09-24
Publication Date
2025-04-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current refrigerants face challenges in meeting evolving regulatory standards for low ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP), while also providing superior performance in various applications.

Method used

The use of Z-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(Z)) as a fluoroolefin compound in refrigerant applications, which offers advantageous properties such as zero ODP, low GWP, and improved energy efficiency, allowing its use in cooling and heating systems even in high ambient temperatures.

Benefits of technology

HFO-1132(Z) provides higher coefficient of performance (COP) compared to existing refrigerants like HFO-1234yf, R-454C, R-32, or propane, with zero temperature glide and the ability to operate effectively in high ambient temperatures, making it suitable for various cooling and heating applications.

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Abstract

The present disclosure relates to use of Z-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(Z)) in methods of cooling and heating, and systems for cooling and heating. In particular, the composition is useful in air-conditioning and heat pumps, including automobile heat pumps for electric and hybrid vehicles. The properties of HFO-1132(Z) make it uniquely useful in high temperature heat pumps, hot water heat pumps and air-conditioning for high ambient temperature regions.
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Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTIONAPPARATUS AND METHODS FOR USING Z-1.2-DIFLUOROETHYLENECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 541 ,408 filed September 29, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference it its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present invention is directed to a fluoroolefin compound that is useful as a refrigerant, methods and systems using the same, and systems containing the fluoroolefin, Z-1 ,2-difluoroethylene for use in cooling and heating applications.BACKGROUND

[0003] The fluorocarbon industry has been working for the past few decades to find replacement refrigerants for the ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) being phased out as a result of the Montreal Protocol. The solution for many applications has been the commercialization of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) compounds for use as refrigerants, solvents, fire extinguishing agents, blowing agents and propellants. These new compounds, such as HFC refrigerants, HFC-134a and HFC-125 being the most widely used at this time, have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and thus are not affected by the current regulatory phase-out as a result of the Montreal Protocol. In addition to ozone depleting concerns, global warming is another environmental concern in many of these applications. HFC refrigerants such as HFC-134a and HFC-125 respectively have global warming potentials (GWP) of 1,430 and 3,500 according to the UN's IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (AR4).

[0004] This regulatory landscape is continuously evolving, taking into consideration properties beyond just ODP and GWP, particularly in light of the Kigali Amendment and other regional regulations. Therefore, there is a need for refrigerant compositions that not only meet low ODP standards and have low GWPs, but thatalso provide superior performance in a variety of applications, and which meet the standards of evolving regulations.

[0005] The current invention solves certain problems associated with conventional refrigerants and provides HFO-1132(Z) refrigerant, which meets the evolving regulatory landscape.SUMMARY

[0006] In order to meet the rapidly changing regulatory environment, the present inventors have identified a fluoroolefin compound that provides performance relative to existing refrigerants that will allow its use going forward even in view of the standards of the evolving regulatory landscape.

[0007] Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fluoropropene composition comprising Z-1 ,2-difluoroethylene (also called HFO-1132(Z), or R- 1132(Z)). This compound is shown herein to have advantageous properties for its use in refrigerant applications.

[0008] In one embodiment, provided herein is a method of cooling comprising evaporating a composition comprising HFO-1132(Z) in the vicinity of a body to be cooled and thereafter condensing said composition, wherein said cooling is provided by an air-conditioner or heat pump.

[0009] In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of heating comprising evaporating a composition comprising HFO-1132(Z) and thereafter condensing said composition in the vicinity of a body to be heated, wherein said heating is provided by a heat pump.

[0010] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods wherein the air-conditioner or heat pump is a residential, light commercial, or industrial air-conditioner or heat pump.

[0011] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods wherein the heat pump is an automobile heat pump for thermal management of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0012] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods wherein the heat pump is an automobile heat pump for heating and cooling the passenger compartment of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0013] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are systems for cooling or heating comprising a composition comprising HFO-1132(Z). According to any of the foregoing embodiments, the systems for cooling or heating also comprises a lubricant. In another embodiment, the systems comprise an evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion device, each operably connected to perform a vapor compression cycle. In another embodiment, said airconditioner or heat pump is a residential, light commercial, or industrial airconditioner or heat pump. In another embodiment the system is an automobile heat pump for heating and cooling the passenger compartment of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0014] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods of replacing HFO-1234yf, R-454C, R-32, or propane in an air-conditioner or heat pump comprising providing a composition comprising HFO-1132(Z) as refrigerant to the air-conditioner or heat pump. In another embodiment, the composition provides COP greater than COP of HFO-1234yf, R-454C, R-32, or propane when operating under the same conditions.

[0015] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein is the use of compositions comprising HFO-1132(Z) as refrigerant in air conditioning and heat pumps.

[0016] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein the air conditioners are selected from residential, commercial, or industrial air conditioning system, window, ducted, ductless, packaged terminal, or rooftop systems.

[0017] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein the air conditioning systems are operating in ambient temperatures of 35°C or higher.

[0018] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein the heat pumps are selected from residential,commercial, or industrial heat pumps, hot water heat pumps, high temperature heat pumps, or automobile heat pumps.

[0019] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein the composition further comprises at least one additional compound selected from the group consisting of HFO-1132(E), HCFC- 133, HCFC-133b, HCFC-123, HFC-152, HFC-143, HFC-41, HCFC-22, propylene, ethylene, acetylene, HCFC-142a, HFO-1123, HFO-1141, HFO-1132a, HCFO- 1131 E, HCFO-1131Z, HCFO-1122, and HCFO-1122a.

[0020] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein the composition further comprises at least one additional compound and the total amount of additional compounds is greater than zero and less than 1 weight percent.

[0021] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein the additional compounds comprise at least one selected from HFO-1132(E), HFO-1132a, HFC-152, HCFC-123, HCFC-142a, and HCFO-1122.

[0022] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein the composition is determined to be class 2 for flammability, as defined in ANSI / ASHRAE Standard 34.

[0023] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein the composition further comprises a lubricant.

[0024] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein said lubricant is a polyalkylene glycol, polyol ester, poly-a-olefin, or polyvinyl ether. In another embodiment, the lubricant is polyol ester or polyvinyl ether.

[0025] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein said lubricant has at least one property selected from the group consisting of volume resistivity of greater than 1010Q-m at 20 °C; surface tension of from about 0.02 N / m to 0.04 N / m at 20 °C; kinemetic viscosity of from about 20 cSt to about 500 cSt at 40 °C; a breakdown voltage of at least 25 kV; and a hydroxy value of at most 0.1 mg KOH / g.

[0026] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein said composition further comprises from 0.1 to 200 ppm by weight of water; from about 10 ppm by volume to about 0.35 volume percent oxygen; and / or from about 100 ppm by volume to about 1 .5 volume percent air.

[0027] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein said composition comprises a stabilizer.

[0028] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein the stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of nitromethane, ascorbic acid, terephthalic acid, azoles, phenolic compounds, cyclic monoterpenes, terpenes, phosphites, phosphates, phosphonates, thiols, and lactones.

[0029] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein the stabilizer is selected from tolutriazole, benzotriazole, tocopherol, hydroquinone, t-butyl hydroquinone, 2,6-di-terbutyl-4- methylphenol, fluorinated epoxides, n-butyl glycidyl ether, hexanediol diglycidyl ether, allyl glycidyl ether, butylphenylglycidyl ether, d-limonene, a-terpinene, p- terpinene, a-pinene, p-pinene, or butylated hydroxytoluene.

[0030] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein the stabilizer is present in an amount from about 0.001 to 1 .0 weight percent based on the weight of the refrigerant.

[0031] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein the composition comprises at least one tracer.

[0032] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein said tracer is present in an amount from about 1.0 ppm by weight to about 1000 ppm by weight.

[0033] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein said at least one tracer is selected from the group consisting of hydrofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroolefins, hydrochlorocarbons, hydrochloroolefins, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluoroolefins, hydrochlorocarbons, hydrochloroolefins, chlorofluorocarbons, chlorofluoroolefins, hydrocarbons, perfluorocarbons, perfluoroolefins, and combinations thereof.

[0034] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein said at least one tracer is selected from the group consisting of HFC-23, HCFC-31 , HFC-41 , HFC-161 , HFC-143a, HFC-134a, HFC- 125, HFC-236fa, HFC-236ea, HFC-245cb, HFC-245fa, HFC-254eb, HFC-263fb, HFC-272ca, HFC-281ea, HFC-281fa, HFC-329p, HFC-329mmz, HFC338mf, HFC- 338pcc, CFC-12, CFC-11 , CFC-114, CFC-114a, HCFC-22, HCFC-123, HCFC-124, HCFC-124a, HCFC-141b, HCFC-142b, HCFC-151a, HCFC-244bb, HCC-40, HFO- 1141 , HCFO-1130, HCFO-1130a, HCFO-1131, HCFO-1122, HFO-1123, HFO- 1234yf, HFO-1234ye, HFO-1243zf, HFO-1225ye, HFO-1225zc, PFC-116, PFC- C216, PFC-218, PFC-C318, PFC-1216, PFC-31-10mc, PFC-31-10my, and combinations thereof.

[0035] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein is the use of compositions comprising HFO-1132(Z) as refrigerant in air-conditioning and heat pumps.

[0036] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein is the use of compositions comprising HFO-1132(Z) as refrigerant in residential, commercial, or industrial air conditioning systems including window, ducted, ductless, packaged terminal or rooftop systems.

[0037] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein is the use of compositions comprising HFO-1132(Z) in air-conditioning systems operating in ambient temperatures of 35°C or higher.

[0038] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein is the use of compositions comprising HFO-1132(Z) in residential, commercial, or industrial heat pumps, hot water heat pumps, high temperature heat pumps, or automobile heat pumps.

[0039] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, disclosed herein is the use of compositions comprising HFO-1132(Z) in automobile heat pumps for electric or hybrid vehicles.

[0040] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein is the use of compositions comprising HFO-1132(Z) in air conditioning systems or heat pumps that are secondary loop systems.

[0041] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein is a method of improving heat transfer comprising matching the temperature profile of the refrigerant comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132Z to the temperature profile of the heat transfer fluid in a secondary loop system.

[0042] According to any of the foregoing embodiments, also disclosed herein are methods and systems, wherein the composition is free of or substantially free of Group A Fluorinated Substances, and wherein degradation products of the composition are free of or substantially free of Group A Fluorinated Substances.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates a reversible cooling or heating loop system, according to an embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a reversible cooling or heating loop system, according to an embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a cooling or heating loop system, according to an embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a cooling or heating loop system, according to an embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a cooling or heating loop system, according to an embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a cooling or heating system, according to an embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates a cooling or heating system, according to an embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates a cooling or heating system, according to an embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 9 illustrates a cooling or heating system, according to an embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a secondary loop cooling and heating system for electric and hybrid vehicles.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] This invention relates to novel uses of Z-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO- 1132(Z)). HFO-1132(Z) may potentially be a candidate to replace refrigerants such as HFO-1234yf, R-410A, R-454C or propane with low Global Warming Potential (GWP), improved environmental fate characteristics, and improved energy efficiency (COP), especially in applications where little or no temperature glide is required.

[0054] HFO-1132(Z) would also be a potential alternative to propane in water heating heat pumps with improved energy efficiency and improved flammability properties. In hot water heat pumps, the higher critical temperature of HFO-1132(Z) (121 °C) vs. R-454C (85.7 °C) and propane (96.7 °C) will allow for higher hot water delivery temperatures. Further, its higher critical temperature allows use of HFO- 1132(Z) in air-conditioning applications at high ambient temperatures, in regions such as the middle east, among others, where ambient temperature can reach higher than 35 °C.

[0055] A refrigerant is defined as a heat transfer fluid that undergoes a phase change from liquid to vapor and back again during a cycle used to transfer of heat.

[0056] A heat transfer system is the system (or apparatus) used to produce a heating or cooling effect in a particular space. A heat transfer system may be a mobile system or a stationary system.

[0057] Examples of heat transfer systems are any type of refrigeration systems and air conditioning systems including, but are not limited to, stationary heat transfer systems, air conditioners, freezers, refrigerators, heat pumps, flooded evaporator heat pumps, direct expansion heat pumps, chillers, flooded evaporator chillers, direct expansion chillers, walk-in coolers, mobile refrigerators, mobile heat transfer systems, mobile heat pumps (including heat pumps for cabin comfort cooling and heating in automobiles), mobile air conditioning units (for cooling of passenger compartments in automobiles), dehumidifiers, and combinations thereof.

[0058] Volumetric capacity is the amount of heat absorbed or rejected divided by the theoretical compressor displacement. Heat removed or absorbed is the enthalpy difference across a heat exchanger multiplied by the refrigerant mass flowrate. Theoretical compressor displacement is the refrigerant mass flowrate divided by thedensity of the gas entering the compressor (i.e., compressor suction density). More simply, volumetric capacity is the suction density multiplied by the heat exchanger enthalpy difference. Higher volumetric capacity allows the use of a smaller compressor for the same heat load. Herein, cooling capacity refers to the volumetric capacity in cooling mode and heating capacity refers to the volumetric capacity in heating mode.

[0059] Coefficient of performance (COP) is the amount of heat absorbed or rejected divided by the required energy input to operate the cycle (approximated by the compressor power). COP is specific to the mode of operation of a heat pump, thus COP for heating or COP for cooling. COP is directly related to the energy efficiency ratio (EER).

[0060] Subcooling refers to the reduction of the temperature of a liquid below that liquid’s saturation point for a given pressure. The liquid saturation point is the temperature at which the vapor is completely condensed to a liquid. By cooling a liquid below the saturation temperature (or bubble point temperature), the net refrigeration effect can be increased. Subcooling thereby improves refrigeration capacity and energy efficiency of a system. The subcool amount is the amount of cooling below the saturation temperature (in degrees).

[0061] Superheating refers to the increase of the temperature of a vapor above that vapor’s saturation point for a given pressure. The vapor saturation point is the temperature at which the liquid is completely evaporated to a vapor. Superheating continues to heat the vapor to a higher temperature vapor at the given pressure. By heating the vapor above the saturation temperature (or dew point temperature), the net refrigeration effect can be increased. Superheating thereby improves refrigeration capacity and energy efficiency of a system when it occurs in the evaporator. Suction line superheat does not add to the net refrigeration effect and can reduce efficiency and capacity. The superheat amount is the amount of heating above the saturation temperature (in degrees).

[0062] Temperature glide (sometimes referred to simply as "glide") is the absolute value of the difference between the starting and ending temperatures of a phasechange process by a refrigerant within a condenser of a refrigerant system, exclusive of any subcooling or superheating. For an evaporator, the glide is the difference intemperature between the dew point and the evaporator inlet. Glide may be used to describe condensation or evaporation of a near azeotrope or non-azeotropic composition. When referring to the temperature glide of an air conditioning or heat pump system, it is common to provide the average temperature glide being the average of the temperature glide in the evaporator and the temperature glide in the condenser. Glide is applicable to blend refrigerants, i.e. refrigerants that are composed of at least 2 components.

[0063] The net refrigeration effect is the quantity of heat that each kilogram of refrigerant absorbs in the evaporator to produce useful cooling.

[0064] The mass flow rate is the quantity of refrigerant in kilograms circulating through the refrigeration, heat pump or air conditioning system over a given period of time.

[0065] As used herein, the term “lubricant” means any material added to a composition or a compressor (and in contact with any heat transfer composition in use within any heat transfer system) that provides hydrodynamic lubrication to the compressor to aid in preventing parts from seizing.

[0066] Z-1 ,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(Z) or R-1132(Z)) may be prepared by dehydrochlorination of 1-chloro-1,2-difluoroethane (HCFC-142a) in either the gas phase or liquid phase as described in U.S. Patent Publication 2022-0017438A. The reaction will produce both the E- and Z- isomers of the compound, but they are separable by distillation.

[0067] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a composition, process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition, process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0068] The transitional phrase "consisting of' excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified. If in the claim such would close the claim to the inclusion of materials other than those recited except for impurities ordinarily associated therewith. When the phrase "consists of" appears in a clause of the body of a claim,rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole.

[0069] The transitional phrase "consisting essentially of" is used to define a composition, method or apparatus that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements, in addition to those literally disclosed provided that these additional included materials, steps, features, components, or elements do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. The term 'consisting essentially of occupies a middle ground between “comprising” and 'consisting of'. Typically, components of the refrigerant mixtures and the refrigerant mixtures themselves can contain minor amounts (e.g., less than about 0.5 weight percent total) of impurities and / or byproducts (e.g., from the manufacture of the refrigerant components or reclamation of the refrigerant components from other systems) which do not materially affect the novel and basic characteristics of the refrigerant mixture.

[0070] Where applicants have defined an invention or a portion thereof with an open-ended term such as “comprising,” it should be readily understood that (unless otherwise stated) the description should be interpreted to also describe such an invention using the terms “consisting essentially of’ or “consisting of.”

[0071] Also, use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise

[0072] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the disclosed compositions, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, unless a particular passage is cited. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions,will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.REFRIGERANT COMPOSITION

[0073] Global warming potential (GWP) is an index for estimating relative global warming contribution due to atmospheric emission of a kilogram of a particular greenhouse gas compared to emission of a kilogram of carbon dioxide. GWP can be calculated for different time horizons showing the effect of atmospheric lifetime for a given gas. The GWP for the 100-year time horizon is commonly the value referenced. For mixtures, a weighted average can be calculated based on the individual GWPs for each component. Herein, the GWP values are those reported in the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). The GWP of HFO-1132(Z) is estimated at <1.

[0074] Ozone depletion potential (ODP) is a number that refers to the amount of ozone depletion caused by a substance. The ODP is the ratio of the impact on ozone of a chemical compared to the impact of a similar mass of CFC-11 (trichlorofluoromethane). Thus, the ODP of CFC-11 is defined to be 1.0. Other CFCs and HCFCs have ODPs that range from 0.01 to 1.0. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and the hydrofluoro-olefins (HFO’s) described herein have zero ODP because they do not contain chlorine, bromine or iodine, species known to contribute to ozone breakdown and depletion. HFO-1132(Z) has zero ozone depletion potential.

[0075] In one embodiment, the composition comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) provides COP higher than HFO-1234yf, R- 410A, R-454C, and propane. In another embodiment, the composition comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) provides zero temperature glide. In another embodiment, the composition comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) provides low GWP estimated at <1. In another embodiment, the composition comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) provides higher critical temperature than R-410A, R- 454C, and propane, allowing use in hot water heat pumps to deliver higher temperature water and to provide air-conditioning (cooling) in regions of the world with high ambient temperatures (35°C or higher).

[0076] As a single compound, HFO-1132(Z) has zero temperature glide in the heat exchangers (e.g., evaporators and condensers), as there is no fractionation or shifting of the composition during operation.

[0077] Flammability is a term used to mean the ability of a composition to ignite and / or propagate a flame. For refrigerants and other heat transfer compositions or working fluids, the lower flammability limit ("LFL") is the minimum concentration of the heat transfer composition in air that is capable of propagating a flame through a homogeneous mixture of the composition and air under test conditions specified in ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) E681. The upper flammability limit ("UFL") is the maximum concentration of the heat transfer composition in air that is capable of propagating a flame through a homogeneous mixture of the composition and air under the same test conditions.

[0078] In order to be classified by ANSI / ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Standard 34 or ISO 817 ISO 817:2014(en) Refrigerants — Designation and Safety Classification as nonflammable (class 1, no flame propagation), a refrigerant must not show flame propagation when tested in air at 140 Deg F (60 deg C) and 14.7 psia (101.3 kPa).

[0079] In order for a refrigerant to be classified by ANSI / ASHRAE as low flammability (class 2L), it must: 1) exhibit flame propagation when tested at 140°F (60°C) and 14.7 psia (101.3 kPa); 2) have an LFL >0.0062 lb / ft3(0.10 kg / m3); 3) have a heat of combustion <8169 Btu / lb (19,000 kJ / kg); and 4) have a maximum burning velocity of <3.9 in. / s (10 cm / s) when tested at 73.4°F (23.0°C) and 14.7 psia (101.3 kPa) in dry air.

[0080] In order for a refrigerant to be classified by ANSI / ASHRAE as flammable (class 2), it must: 1) exhibit flame propagation when tested at 140°F (60°C) and 14.7 psia (101.3 kPa); 2) have an LFL >0.0062 lb / ft3(0.10 kg / m3); and 3) have a heat of combustion <8169 Btu / lb (19,000 kJ / kg).

[0081] In order for a refrigerant to be classified by ANSI / ASHRAE standard 34 class 3, refrigerant 1) exhibits flame propagation when tested at 140°F (60°C) and 14.7 psia (101.3 kPa), 2) has an LFL < 0.0062 lb / ft3(0.10 kg / m3) or 3) has a heat of combustion >8169 Btu / lb (19,000 kJ / kg). The estimated heat of combustion of this novel refrigerant is > 19,000 kJ / kg.

[0082] ASH RAE Standard 34 provides a methodology to calculate the heat of combustion for refrigerant blends using a balanced stoichiometric equation based on the complete combustion of one mole of refrigerant with enough oxygen for a stoichiometric reaction.

[0083] HFO-1132(Z) is estimated as being class 2 flammability as defined by ANSI / ASHRAE standard 34 and ISO 817. Class 2 flammability may be manageable in air-conditioning and heat pumps. Specific applications may have different requirements, with regards to flammability. Systems using HFO-1132(Z) as refrigerant may be required to use a secondary loop system.

[0084] In embodiments, the compositions comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) may further comprise additional compounds. The additional compounds are present in an amount of greater than about 0 and less than 1 weight percent.

[0085] In another embodiment, the compositions comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) may further comprise at least one additional compound selected from HFO-1132(E) (E-1 ,2-difluoroethylene), HCFC-133 (1- chloro-1 ,1 ,2-trifluoroethane), HCFC-133b (2-chloro-1 ,1 ,1-trifluoroethane), HCFC-123 (1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane), HFC-152 (1 ,2-difluoroethane), HFC-143 (1,1 ,2- trifluoroethane), HFC-41 (fluoromethane), HCFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane), propylene, ethylene, acetylene, HCFC-142a (1-chloro-1,2-difluoroethane), HFO- 1123 (trifluoroethylene), HFO-1141 (fluoroethylene), HFO-1132a (1 ,1- difluoroethylene), HCFO-1131 E (E-1-chloro-2-fluoroethylene), HCFO-1131Z (Z-1- chloro-2-fluoroethylene), HCFO-1122 (1-chloro-2,2-difluoroethylene), and HCFO- 1122a (1-chloro-1 ,2-difluoroethylene). In another embodiment, the compositions comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) may further comprise at least one additional compound selected from the group consisting of HFO-1132(E), HFO-1132a, HFC-152, HCFC-133, HCFC-123, HCFC-142a, and HCFO-1122. In another embodiment, the compositions comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) may further comprise at least one additional compound comprising HCFC-133. In another embodiment, the compositions comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) may further comprise at least one additional compound comprising HCFC-142a.

[0086] The amount of additional compounds present in any of the foregoing refrigerant compositions can be greater than 0 ppm and less than 5,000 ppm and, in particular, can range from greater than zero to about 1,000 ppm, about 5 to about 500 ppm and about 1 to about 100 ppm.

[0087] In one embodiment, the amount of additional compounds present in any of the foregoing refrigerant compositions can be greater than 0 and less than 1 wt% of the refrigerant composition, preferably less than 0.5 weight percent, or more preferably less than 0.1 weight percent.

[0088] The compositions comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) will perform more consistently and be more stable with only minor amounts of water present. Thus, the compositions may further comprise less than 100 ppm (by weight) water, preferably less than 20 ppm (by weight) water, and even more preferably less than 10 ppm (by weight) water.

[0089] Additionally, the compositions comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) will perform more consistently and be more stable with only minor amounts of oxygen or air present. Therefore, the presently claimed compositions may further comprise less than about 5 volume percent non- adsorbable gases (NAG), preferably less than 3 volume percent NAG, and more preferably less than 1.5 volume percent NAG. Further, the presently claimed compositions, due to the presence of air or NAG, will contain less than 1 volume percent oxygen, preferably less than 0.5 volume percent oxygen, and more preferably less than 0.3 volume percent oxygen.

[0090] In another embodiment, the compositions comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) may contain a stabilizer. Such stabilizer compounds are intended to be present in a small amount and prevent decomposition due to the presence of water, air, NAG, or oxygen in a system while in use or while the composition is stored. HFO type refrigerants, due to the presence of a double bond, may be subject to thermal instability and decompose under extreme use, handling, or storage situations also. Therefore, there may be advantages to adding stabilizers to HFO type refrigerants. Stabilizers may notably include nitromethane, ascorbic acid, terephthalic acid, azoles such as tolutriazole or benzotriazole, phenolic compounds such as tocopherol, hydroquinone, t-butyl hydroquinone, 2,6-di-tertbutyl-4-methylphenol, epoxides (possibly fluorinated or perfluorinated alkyl epoxides or alkenyl or aromatic epoxides) such as n-butyl glycidyl ether, hexanediol diglycidyl ether, allyl glycidyl ether, butylphenylglycidyl ether, cyclic monoterpenes, terpenes, such as d-limonene, a-terpinene, p-terpinene, y-terpinene, a-pinene, or - pinene, phosphites, phosphates, phosphonates, thiols and lactones. Examples of suitable stabilizers are disclosed in WO2019213004, WO2020222864, and WO2020222865; the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0091] If the refrigerant does include a stabilizer, it may include any amount from 0.001 wt% up to 1 wt%, preferably from about 0.001 to about 0.5 weight percent, more preferably, from about 0.001 to about 0.3 weight percent of any of the stabilizers listed above.

[0092] In some embodiments, the compositions comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) may contain a tracer compound or tracers. The tracer may comprise two or more tracer compounds. In some embodiments, the tracer is present in the compositions at a total concentration of about 50 parts per million by weight (ppm) to about 1000 ppm, based on the weight of the total composition. In other embodiments, the tracer is present at a total concentration of about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm. Alternatively, the tracer is present at a total concentration of about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm.

[0093] The tracer may be present in HFO-1132(Z) in predetermined quantities to allow detection of any dilution, contamination, or other alteration of the composition. The presence of certain compounds in the composition may indicate by what method or process one of the components has been produced. The tracer may also be added to the composition in a specified amount in order to identify the source of the composition. In this manner, detection of infringement on patent rights may be accomplished. The tracers may be refrigerant compounds but are present in the composition at levels that are unlikely to impact performance of the refrigerant component of the composition.

[0094] Tracer compounds may be hydrofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroolefins, hydrochlorocarbons, hydrochloroolefins, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluoroolefins, hydrochlorocarbons, hydrochloroolefins, chlorofluorocarbons, chlorofluoroolefins, hydrocarbons, perfluorocarbons,perfluoroolefins, and combinations thereof. Examples of tracer compounds include, but are not limited to HFC-23 (trifluoromethane), HCFC-31 (chlorofluoromethane), HFC-41 (fluoromethane), HFC-161 (fluoroethane), HFC-143a (1 ,1 ,1 -trifluoroethane), HFC-134a (1 ,1 ,1 ,2-tetrafluoroethane), HFC-125 (pentafluoroethane), HFC-236fa (1 ,1 ,1 ,3,3, 3-hexafluoropropane), HFC-236ea (1 ,1 ,1 ,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane), HFC 245cb (1 ,1 ,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane), HFC-245fa (1 , 1 ,1 , 3,3- pentafluoropropane) , HFC-254eb (1 ,1 ,1, 2-tetrafluoropropane), HFC-263fb (1 ,1 ,1 trifluoropropane), HFC-272ca (2,2-difluoropropane), HFC-281ea (2- fluoropropane), HFC-281fa (1-fluoropropane), HFC-329p (1 , 1 ,1 , 2, 2, 3, 3,4,4- nonafluorobutane), HFC-329mmz (1 ,1 ,1-trifluoro-2-methylpropane), HFC-338mf (1 ,1 ,1 ,2,2,4,4,4-octafluorobutane), HFC-338pcc (1 ,1 ,2,2,3,3,4,4-octafluorobutane), CFC-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane), CFC-11 (trichlorofluoromethane), CFC-114 (1 ,2- dichloro-1 ,1 ,2,2-tetrafluoroethane), CFC-114a (1 , 1 ,-dichloro-1 ,2,2,2- tetrafluoroethane), HCFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane), HCFC-123 (1 , 1 -dichloro-2,2,2- trifluoroethane), HCFC-124 (2-chloro-1 ,1 ,1 ,2-tetrafluoroethane), HCFC-124a (1- chloro-1 ,1 ,2,2-tetrafluoroethane), HCFC-141b (1 ,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane), HCFC- 142b (1-chloro-1 ,1-difluoroethane), HCFC-151a (1-chloro-1-fluoroethane), HCFC- 244bb (2-chloro-1 , 1 ,1 , 2-tetrafluoropropane), HCC-40 (chloromethane), HFO-1141 (fluoroethene), HCFO-1130 (1 ,2-dichloroethene), HCFO-1130a (1 ,1-dichloroethene), HCFO-1131 E (E-1-chloro-2-fluoroethene), HCFO-1131Z (Z-1-chloro-2-fluoroethene), HCFO-1122 (2-chloro-1 ,1-difluoroethene), HFO-1123 (1 ,1 ,2-trifluoroethene), HFO- 1234ye (1 ,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene), HFO-1243zf (3,3,3-trifluoropropene), HFO- 1225ye (1 ,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene), HFO-1225zc (1 ,1 ,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene), PFC-116 (hexafluoroethane), PFC-C216 (hexafluorocyclopropane), PFC-218 (octafluoropropane), PFC-C318 (octafluorocyclobutane), PFC-1216 (hexafluoroethane), PFC-31-10mc (1 ,1, 1 ,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-decafluorobutane), PFC-31- 10my (1 ,1 ,1 ,2,3,3,3-heptafluoro-2-trifluoromethylpropane), and combinations thereof.

[0095] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the compositions comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) further comprise at least one lubricant.

[0096] In another embodiment, the compositions further comprise a lubricant selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene glycol, polyol ester, poly-a-olefin, polyvinyl ether, and combinations thereof.

[0097] In another embodiment, the compositions further comprise a lubricant selected from the group consisting of polyol esters, polyvinyl ethers, or combinations thereof.

[0098] Lubricants may be selected from polyol ester, polyvinyl ether, and polyalkylene glycol. Lubricants may also comprise those commonly known as “mineral oils” in the field of compression refrigeration lubrication. Mineral oils comprise paraffins (i.e., straight-chain and branched-carbon-chain, saturated hydrocarbons), naphthenes (i.e., cyclic or ring structure saturated hydrocarbons, which may be paraffins) and aromatics (i.e., unsaturated, cyclic hydrocarbons containing one or more rings characterized by alternating double bonds). Lubricants of the present invention further comprise those commonly known as “synthetic oils” in the field of compression refrigeration lubrication. Synthetic oils comprise alkylaryls (i.e., linear and branched alkyl alkylbenzenes), synthetic paraffins and naphthenes, silicones, and polyalphaolefins. Representative conventional lubricants of the present invention are the commercially available BVM 100 N (paraffinic mineral oil sold by BVA Oils), napthenic mineral oil commercially available under the trademark from Suniso® 3GS and Suniso® 5GS by Crompton Co., naphthenic mineral oil commercially available from Pennzoil under the trademark Sontex® 372LT, naphthenic mineral oil commercially available from Calumet Lubricants under the trademark Calumet® RO-30, linear alkylbenzenes commercially available from Shrieve Chemicals under the trademarks Zerol® 75, Zerol® 150 and Zerol® 500 and branched alkylbenzene, sold by Nippon Oil as HAB 22.

[0099] Lubricants of the present invention further comprise those which have been designed for use with hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants and are miscible with refrigerants of the present invention under compression refrigeration and air- conditioning apparatus' operating conditions, lubricants include, but are not limited to, polyol esters (POEs), polyalkylene glycols (PAGs), and polyvinyl ethers (PVEs). And example of a POE is Castrol® 100 (Castrol, United Kingdom). An example of a polyalkylene glycol is RL-488A from Dow (Dow Chemical, Midland, Mich.). An example of a polyvinyl ether is PVE-FVC68D.

[0100] In one particular embodiment, the compositions comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) are combined with a PAG lubricant or a PVElubricant or a POE lubricant for usage in an automotive A / C or heat pump system having an internal combustion engine or an electric or hybrid electric drive train.

[0101] In the compositions comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) including a lubricant, the lubricant may be present in an amount of less than 80 weight percent of the total composition. The lubricant may further be present in an amount of less than 60 weight percent of the total composition. In other embodiments, the amount of lubricant may be between about 0.1 and 50 weight percent of the total composition. The lubricant may also be between about 0.1 and 20 weight percent of the total composition The lubricant may also be between about 0.1 and 5 weight percent of the total composition.

[0102] In another aspect of the invention, the inventive refrigerant composition is used to introduce lubricant into the air-conditioning or heat pump system as well as or alternatively other additives, such as a) acid scavengers, b) performance enhancers, and c) flame suppressants. In one preferred embodiment, the present compositions comprise an acid scavenger.

[0103] Examples of the acid scavengers that may be included in the present compositions include, but are not limited, the stabilizers and / or the epoxide component of the stabilizers disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,535,555 and the acid scavengers disclosed in International Application Publication No. WO 2020 / 222864, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0104] In some embodiments, an acid scavenger may comprise one or more epoxides, one or more amines and / or one or more hindered amines, such as, for example but not limited to, epoxybutane.

[0105] The acid scavenger (e.g., the activated aromatic compound, the siloxane, or both) may be present in any concentration that results in a relatively low total acid number, a relatively low total halides concentration, a relatively low total organic acid concentration, or any combination thereof.

[0106] Preferably the acid scavenger is present at a concentration greater than about 0.0050 wt%, more preferably greater than about 0.05 wt% and even more preferably greater than about 0.1 wt% (e.g., greater than about 0.5 wt%) based on the total weight of the refrigerant composition. The acid scavenger preferably ispresent in a concentration less than about 5 wt%, less than about 4 wt%, less than about 3 wt%, more preferably less than about 2.5 wt% and most preferably greater than about 2 wt% (e. g. less than about 1.8 wt%) based on the total weight of the refrigerant composition.

[0107] Preferred additives include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,152,926; 4,755,316, which are hereby incorporated by reference. In particular, the preferred extreme pressure additives include mixtures of (A) tolyltriazole or substituted derivatives thereof, (B) an amine (e.g. Jeffamine M-600) and (C) a third component which is (i) an ethoxylated phosphate ester (e.g. Antara LP-700 type), or (ii) a phosphate alcohol (e.g. ZELEC 3337 type), or (iii) a Zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (e.g. Lubrizol 5139, 5604, 5178, or 5186 type), or (iv) a mercaptobenzothiazole, or (v) a 2,5-dimercapto-1 ,3,4-triadiaZole derivative (e. g. Curvan 826) or a mixture thereof. Additional examples of additives which may be used are given in U.S. Pat. No.5,976,399 (Schnur, 5:12-6:51 , hereby incorporated by reference).

[0108] Acid number is measured according to ASTM D664-01 in units of mg KOH / g. The total halides concentration, the fluorine ion concentration, and the total organic acid concentration is measured by ion chromatography. Chemical stability of the refrigerant system is measured according to ASHRAE 97: 2007 (RA 2017) “Sealed Glass Tube Method to Test the Chemical Stability of Materials for Use within Refrigerant Systems”. The viscosity of the lubricant is tested at 40°C according to ASTM D-7042.

[0109] Mouli et al. (WO 2008 / 027595 and WO 2009 / 042847) teach the use of alkyl silanes as a stabilizer in refrigerant compositions containing fluoroolefins.Phosphates, phosphites, epoxides, and phenolic additives also have been employed in certain refrigerant compositions. These are described for example by Kaneko (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 575,256, published as U.S. Publication 2007 / 0290164) and Singh et al. (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 250,219, published as U.S. Publication 2006 / 0116310). All of these aforementioned applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0110] Preferred flame suppressants include the flame retardants described in patent application “Refrigerant compositions containing fluorine substituted olefins CA 2557873 A1” and incorporated by reference, as well as fluorinated products suchas HFC-125, HFC-134, HFC-227ea, HFC-236fa, CF3I, and / or Krytox® lubricants, also incorporated by reference and described in patent application “Refrigerant compositions comprising fluoroolefins and uses thereof W02009018117A1.”

[0111] In one embodiment, as used herein, " Group A Fluorinated Substances” includes any substance that (i) contains at least one fully fluorinated methyl (-CF3) or methylene (-CF2-) carbon atom (without any H / CI / Br / l attached to it); and (ii) meets the criterion for persistence in soil / sediment and water established in Annex XIII (Section 1.1.1) of the European Union’s REACH Regulation (https: / / reachonline.eu / reach / en / annex-xiii-1-1.1-1.1.1.html as accessed on May 2, 2023) and referenced in the Annex XV Restriction Report dated March 22, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference (https: / / echa.europa.eu / documents / 10162 / f605d4b5-7c17-7414-8823-b49b9fd43aea as accessed on May 2, 2023). In one embodiment, Group A Fluorinated Substances include, but are not limited to, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA).

[0112] In another embodiment, as used herein, “Group A Fluorinated Substances” includes any substance that has a Henry’s Law constant < 250 Pa*m3 / mol and contains at least one fully fluorinated methyl (-CF3) or methylene (-CF2-) carbon atom (without any H / CI / Br / l attached to it). In one embodiment, Group A Fluorinated Substances include, but are not limited to, TFA.

[0113] Thus, according to some embodiments, compositions of the present invention which comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of HFO-1132(Z), and are free of or substantially free of Group A Fluorinated Substances, such as TFA. In one embodiment, the phrase "free of" as used herein with respect to the presence of Group A Fluorinated Substances in the present compositions means that the amount of such substances in the compositions is sufficiently low so as to not be detectable, including but not limited to 0%, when measured by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector, gas chromatography with a mass detector by analysis of a gas sample or liquid sample, and / or ion chromatography by analysis of a water sample after bubbling the thermal fluid through water. Such methodologies are well known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the phrase "substantially free of" as used herein with respect to the presence of Group A Fluorinated Substances in the present compositions means that the amount of such substances in thecompositions is > 0 wt.% and <_5 wt.%, or > 0 wt.% and < 4 wt.%, or > 0 wt.% and < 3 wt.%, or > 0 wt.% and < 2 wt.%, or > 0 wt.% and < 1 wt.%, and all values and ranges therebetween, when measured by gas chromatographic (GC) techniques, for example gas chromatography (GC) with a flame ionization or electron-capture detector, or GC coupled with a mass detector (gas chromatography / mass spectral (GC / MS) method), by ion chromatograph(IC) or ion chromatography mass spectrometry (IC-MS) techniques, or by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) techniques. The TFA analytical standard may be used in either gas chromatography or ion chromatography and is available from, for example, Sigma Aldrich.

[0114] Further, in some embodiments, degradation products of such compositions of the present invention which comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of HFO- 1132(Z) are free of or substantially free of Group A Fluorinated Substances, such as TFA. In one embodiment, the phrase "free of" as used herein with respect to the formation of Group A Fluorinated Substances by the present compositions means that the theoretical molar yield of such substances in environmental compartments of air, soil / sediment and water produced during tropospheric degradation of the compositions is sufficiently low so as to not be detectable, including but not limited to 0%, when measured by GC techniques, for example GC with a flame ionization or electron-capture detector or GC / MS method, by IC or IC-MS techniques, or by HPLC or HPLC-MS techniques. In one embodiment, the phrase "substantially free of" as used herein with respect to the formation of Group A Fluorinated Substances by the present compositions means that the theoretical molar yield of such substances in environmental compartments of air, soil / sediment and water produced during tropospheric degradation of the compositions is > 0% and < 5%, or > 0% and < 4%, or > 0% and < 3%, or > 0% and < 2%, or > 0% and < 1%, and all values and ranges therebetween, when measured by GC techniques, for example GC with a flame ionization or electron-capture detector or GC / MS method, by IC or IC-MS techniques, or by HPLC or HPLC-MS techniques.METHODS AND SYSTEMS

[0115] The compositions comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) are useful in numerous methods and systems that provide air- conditioning and heating.

[0116] In one embodiment, provided is a method of cooling comprising evaporating a composition comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132(Z) in the vicinity of a body to be cooled and thereafter condensing said composition, wherein said cooling is provided by an air-conditioner or heat pump.

[0117] In one embodiment, the air conditioner may be a residential, commercial, or industrial air conditioning system. These may include, but are not limited to, window, ducted, ductless, packaged terminal, and those exterior to, but connected to the building, such as rooftop systems. The present method may be particularly useful in high ambient temperature regions, due to the high critical temperature of HFO- 1132(Z).

[0118] In another embodiment, provided is a method of heating comprising evaporating a composition comprising HFO-1132(Z) and thereafter condensing said composition in the vicinity of a body to be heated, wherein said heating is provided by a heat pump.

[0119] In one embodiment, the heat pump is a residential, light commercial, commercial or industrial heat pump system. These may include, but are not limited to, residential heat pumps that provide comfort air-conditioning and heating, hot water heat pumps for heating air (by secondary loop) or for heating water for residential or commercial use, heat pumps for heating manufacturing process equipment, high temperature heat pumps, and automobile heat pumps. In another embodiment, the heat pump is an automobile heat pump for electric or hybrid vehicles. Electric or hybrid vehicles include automobiles with no internal combustion engine (ICE) or those that maintain an ICE but also use electric power and are therefore hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PH EV) or mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV). Additionally, electric or hybrid vehicles include full electric vehicles (EV), such as battery electric vehicles (BEV). All of these electric or hybrid vehicles use at least one electric motor, wherein the electric motorprovides some form of propulsion for the vehicles normally provided by the ICE found in gasoline / diesel powered vehicles.

[0120] In another embodiment, the high critical temperature of HFO-1132(Z) allows for heating water to higher temperatures than H FC-32, R-410A, propane, or R-454C while maintaining subcritical operating conditions.

[0121] In another embodiment, the method for producing cooling is particularly useful in regions where the ambient temperature can exceed at least 35°C.

[0122] In geographic areas with high ambient temperatures, where air conditioning becomes essential, refrigerant compositions with high critical temperatures and high thermal stability are desirable. Currently available hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants such as R-410A, R-407C or R-32 have relatively low critical temperatures. As a consequence, these refrigerants do not perform well in extreme hot environments. The energy efficiency of a refrigerant generally decreases as the condensing temperature approaches the refrigerant critical temperature during operation at high ambient temperatures. In hot climates, R-22 has remained the refrigerant of choice for much air conditioning and refrigeration applications as it is not flammable and has a higher critical temperature so that it delivers higher cooling capacity and higher energy efficiency in hot climates as compared to R-410A or R- 32. However, R-22 is an ozone depleting substance in the Montreal Protocol to reduce ozone depletion. As such, R-22 has been mandated and legislated for phase out for manufacture for and use in air conditioning and refrigeration. There is interest in finding a refrigerant with the lowest possible direct GWP and also that performs well in hot climate (or high ambient) temperature regions.

[0123] In the method for producing cooling the body to be cooled may be defined as any space, location, object or body for which it is desirable to provide cooling. Examples include spaces, open or enclosed, that require cooling such as a residence, such as an apartment or apartment building, university dormitory, townhouse or other attached house, or a single-family home; or the body to be cooled may be any other building, such as an office building, supermarket, college or university classroom or administration buildings.

[0124] In another embodiment, a method for producing air conditioning in high ambient temperatures is provided. The method comprises evaporating acomposition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of HFO-1132(Z) and thereafter condensing said composition. The method is particularly useful in regions where ambient temperatures can exceed 35°C or more.

[0125] In another embodiment, a method is provided for replacing HCFC-22 in high ambient air conditioning apparatus comprising providing a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of HFO-1132(Z) to said apparatus. The method of replacing HCFC-22 is particularly useful in regions where ambient temperatures can exceed 35°C or more.

[0126] Similarly, in some industrial air conditioning applications heat must be released in high ambient temperature environments. HCFC-124 has been used as the working fluid in such applications. HCFC-124 is also controlled under the Montreal protocol as an ozone depleting substance and more environmentally sustainable replacements are desirable. Thus, a method is provided for replacing HCFC-124 in industrial air conditioning apparatus, comprising providing a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of HFO-1132(Z) to said apparatus. The method of replacing HCFC-124 is particularly useful in regions where ambient temperatures can exceed 35°C or more.

[0127] In another embodiment, the method for producing cooling and method for replacing HCFC-22 or HCFC-124 are useful for systems operating in ambient temperatures of 40°C or higher. In another embodiment, the method for producing cooling is useful for systems operating in ambient temperatures of 45°C or higher. In another embodiment, the method for producing cooling is useful for systems operating in ambient temperatures of 50°C or higher. In another embodiment, the method for producing cooling is useful for systems operating in ambient temperatures of 55°C or higher. In another embodiment, the method for producing cooling is useful for systems operating in ambient temperatures of 60°C or higher. In another embodiment, the method for producing cooling is useful for systems operating in ambient temperatures from 35-50°C. In another embodiment, the method for producing cooling is useful for systems operating in ambient temperatures from 35-60°C. In another embodiment, the method for producing cooling is useful for systems operating in ambient temperatures from 40-60°C. In another embodiment, the method for producing cooling is useful for systemsoperating in ambient temperatures from 45-60°C. In another embodiment, the method for producing cooling is useful for systems operating in ambient temperatures from 50-60°C.

[0128] In another embodiment, is provided a system for cooling or heating comprising a composition comprising HFO-1132(Z) and optionally a lubricant. The system comprises an evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion device, each operably connected to perform a vapor compression cycle.

[0129] The air-conditioner or heat pump system may be a residential, light commercial, industrial, or automobile air-conditioner or heat pump.

[0130] In one embodiment, the air conditioner may be a residential, commercial, or industrial air conditioning system. These may include, but are not limited to, window, ducted, ductless, packaged terminal, and those exterior to, but connected to the building, such as rooftop systems. The present system may be particularly useful in high ambient temperature regions (35°C or higher), due to the high critical temperature of HFO-1132 (Z).

[0131] In one embodiment, the heat pump is a residential, light commercial or industrial heat pump system. These may include, but are not limited to, residential heat pumps that provide comfort air-conditioning and heating, hot water heat pumps for heating air (by secondary loop) or for heating water for residential or commercial use, heat pumps for heating manufacturing process equipment, high temperature heat pumps, automobile heat pumps. In another embodiment, the heat pump is an automobile heat pump for electric or hybrid vehicles. Electric or hybrid vehicles include automobiles with no internal combustion engine (ICE) or those that maintain an ICE but also use electric power and are therefore hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) or mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV). Additionally, electric or hybrid vehicles include full electric vehicles (EV), such as battery electric vehicles (BEV). All of these electric or hybrid vehicles use at least one electric motor, wherein the electric motor provides some form of propulsion for the vehicles normally provided by the ICE found in gasoline / diesel powered vehicles.

[0132] In another embodiment, an automobile heat pump system comprising HFO- 1132(Z) as refrigerant, may be a secondary loop system. A secondary loop systemwill isolate a flammable refrigerant from the passenger compartment, thus providing a higher level of safety.

[0133] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a refrigeration system 100 having a refrigeration loop 110 comprises a first heat exchanger 120, a pressure regulator 130, a second heat exchanger 140, a compressor 150 and a four-way valve 160. The first and second heat exchangers are of the air / refrigerant type. The first heat exchanger 120 has passing through it the refrigerant of the loop 110 and the stream of air created by a fan.

[0134] In cooling mode, the refrigerant set-in motion by the compressor 150 passes, via the valve 160, through the heat exchanger 120 which acts as a condenser, that is to say gives up heat energy to the outside, then through the pressure regulator 130 then through the heat exchanger 140 that is acting as an evaporator thus cooling the stream of air intended to be blown into the motor vehicle cabin interior or other body to be cooled.

[0135] In heat pump mode, the direction of flow of the refrigerant is reversed using the valve 160. The heat exchanger 140 acts as a condenser while the heat exchanger 120 acts as an evaporator. The heat exchanger 140 can then be used to heat up the stream of air intended for the motor vehicle cabin or other body to be cooled.

[0136] Additional heat transfer loops may be connected to the heat pump system and absorb or reject heat at the heat exchangers 120 and / or 140 to allow transfer of heat away from the motor or battery, and therefore serve to provide thermal management of those components of the vehicle as well as cooling and heating for the passenger cabin.

[0137] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, a refrigeration system 300 having a refrigeration loop 310 comprises a first heat exchanger 320, a pressure regulator 330, a second heat exchanger 340, a compressor 350 and a four-way valve 360. The first and second heat exchangers 320 and 340 are of the air / refrigerant type. The way in which the heat exchangers 320 and 340 operate is the same as in the first embodiment depicted in FIG. 1. Two fluid / liquid heat exchangers 370 and 380 are installed both on the refrigeration loop circuit 310 and on the engine cooling circuit or on a secondary glycol-water circuit. Installing fluid / liquid heat exchangerswithout going through an intermediate gaseous fluid (e.g. air) contributes to improving heat exchange by comparison with air / fluid heat exchangers.

[0138] In one embodiment, the system for heating and cooling the passenger compartment of an electric vehicle, the system further comprises a reheater operably connected between the compressor and the condenser for reduction of humidity in the passenger compartment during cooling mode.

[0139] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, a refrigeration system 400 having a refrigeration loop 410 comprises a first heat exchanger (condenser) 420, a pressure regulator 430, a second heat exchanger (evaporator) 440, a compressor 450, a three-way valve 460, and a third heat exchanger (for reheat) 470. In cooling mode, at least a portion of the discharge flow exiting the compressor 450 is directed through the three-way valve 460 and into the third heat exchanger 470. The exit stream from the third heat exchanger 470 discharges into the inlet of the first heat exchanger 420. The refrigerant is condensed by the first heat exchanger 420 using an external fan 480 and ambient air as the heat sink. The existing saturated or subcooled liquid is expanded in the pressure regulator 430 and the resulting lower pressure saturated mixture of refrigerant liquid and vapor enters the second heat exchanger 440. The refrigerant evaporates in the second heat exchanger 440 through the use of a second fan 490 that is external to the refrigeration loop. The air passing across the second heat exchanger 440 is cooled to below the air dew point temperature. This causes the moisture in the air to partially condense, thereby lowering the absolute humidity of the air. The air then passes over the third heat exchanger 470, which transfers heat into the air, increasing the air temperature to above the dew point and lowering the relative humidity of the air, which is then supplied to the passenger compartment. This process of cooling to below the dew point temperature to remove moisture and subsequently reheating to above the dew point temperature allows for cooling and relative humidity control of the vehicle cabin. In heating mode, the three-way valve 460 is modulated to prohibit the flow of refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 420 and all vehicle cabin heating is accomplished using the third heat exchanger 470 in the heat pump configuration described in FIG. 1.

[0140] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, an air-conditioning (AC) and heat pump (HP) system 500, heating, cooling, or both can be accomplished in a vehicle cabin or for other vehicle loads. The system 500 includes an AC circuit 510 and a HP circuit 520. In air-conditioning only mode, the HP control valve 530 upstream of the heat pump condenser 540 will be closed and the refrigerant will flow from the compressor 550 into the air-cooled AC condenser 560, through an AC expansion valve 570, and into the AC evaporator 580; providing cooling to the cabin. From the AC evaporator 580, the refrigerant will flow back to the compressor 550. In heat pump only mode, the AC control valve 535 upstream of the AC condenser 560 will be closed and the refrigerant will flow from the compressor 550 into the HP condenser 540 to provide heating to the cabin. From the HP condenser 540 the refrigerant will flow through the HP expansion valve 575 to the HP evaporator 585. A separate humidity control mode could be accomplished by sending a portion of the compressor discharge gas into the AC circuit 510 and the remaining portion into the HP circuit 520.

[0141] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, a system 600 for heating, cooling, or both can be accomplished for a vehicle cabin or for other vehicle loads. The system 600 includes an AC circuit 610 and a water-cooled / HP circuit 620. In AC only mode, the water loop control valve 630 upstream of the water-cooled condenser 640 will be closed and the refrigerant will flow from the compressor 650 into the AC condenser 660, through an AC expansion valve 670, and into the AC evaporator 680; providing cooling to the cabin. In HP only mode, the AC control valve 635 upstream of the AC condenser 660 will be closed and the refrigerant will flow from the compressor 650 into the water-cooled condenser 640. A heat transfer fluid (e.g., water or other heat transfer fluid) will take the heat generated in the water-cooled condenser 640 and transfer it to the cabin heater core 690; providing heat to the cabin. The heat transfer fluid may return from the cabin heater core 690 to the water-cooled condenser 640. The refrigerant will flow from the water-cooled condenser 640 through an HP expansion valve 675 into the HP evaporator 685 that cools a heat transfer fluid, which may be used to cool other components of the automobile and then back to the compressor 650. In some embodiments, there is one or more water / heat transfer fluid loop that may be used to heat and / or cool various other components of the vehicle. A separate humidity control mode could beaccomplished by sending a portion of the compressor discharge gas into the AC circuit 610 and the remaining portion into the water cooled / HP circuit 620.

[0142] In the embodiments of FIG. 6 through FIG. 9, the same components exist in the system, but depending on the mode of operation, only some of those components are utilized.

[0143] In one embodiment, in heating mode wherein specific conditions exist where both the vehicle cabin and other vehicle components require heat, the refrigerant circuit 700 operates as shown in FIG. 6. Starting at the compressor 750, discharge refrigerant vapor will take two paths. One path is through the cabin condenser 740. The cabin condenser 740 is a refrigerant-to-air heat exchanger typically of the fin-tube or microchannel type and can be single or multiple pass. A first fan 745 in the vehicle ventilation ductwork will induce a flow of either 100% outside air or a mixture of outside air and return air from the vehicle cabin across this cabin condenser 740 and the refrigerant as it condenses will heat the air. In this mode, a physical bypass 735 within the vehicle ventilation ductwork will prevent any air from flowing over the cabin evaporator 730. The second path of refrigerant out of the compressor is through valve 770 and into a liquid / heat transfer fluid heat exchanger 720, which allows heat to be transferred from the warm refrigerant to the vehicle’s heat transfer fluid loop (not shown). This vehicle heat transfer loop can then be used to manage other vehicle heat loads. The heat transfer fluid of the heat transfer fluid loop may be water or a water / glycol solution. The condensed refrigerant out of exchanger 720 then combines with the condenser 740 liquid refrigerant outlet and the combined stream flows through an expansion device 775, which will drop the pressure of the liquid refrigerant and generate a liquid-vapor mixture. This liquid-vapor mixture then flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 780 (i.e. , evaporator in this setup). The outdoor heat exchanger 780 will be a refrigerant-to-air heat exchanger typically of the fin-tube or microchannel type and can be single or multiple pass. A second fan 785 will induce airflow across the outdoor heat exchanger 780 and allow the liquid-vapor refrigerant mixture to pick up heat from the ambient air and vaporize completely before it flows back to the compressor 750.

[0144] In another embodiment, in heating mode when specific conditions exist where only cabin heating is required, the refrigerant circuit 800 operates as shown in FIG. 7. Starting at the compressor 850, discharge vapor will first flow through the cabin condenser 840. A first fan 845 in the vehicle ventilation ductwork will induce a flow of either 100% outside air or a mixture of outside air and return air from the vehicle cabin across this cabin condenser 840 and the refrigerant will exchange heat between the condenser 840 and the air. In this mode, a physical bypass 835 within the vehicle ventilation ductwork will prevent any air from flowing over the cabin evaporator 830. The refrigerant will condense in the cabin condenser 840 and flow to an expansion device 875 which will drop the pressure of the liquid refrigerant and generate a liquid-vapor mixture. This liquid-vapor mixture flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 880 (i.e. , evaporator in this setup). A second fan 885 will induce airflow across the outdoor heat exchanger 880 and allow the liquid-vapor refrigerant mixture to pick up heat from the ambient air and vaporize completely before it travels back to the compressor 850.

[0145] In another embodiment, in cooling mode when specific conditions exist where both the vehicle cabin and the vehicle components require cooling, the refrigerant circuit 900 operates as shown in FIG. 8. Starting at the compressor 950, discharge refrigerant vapor will first flow through the cabin condenser 940, wherein there will be no heat transfer as in this mode, a physical bypass 945 within the vehicle ventilation ductwork will prevent any air from flowing over the cabin condenser 940. Vapor refrigerant will pass through the cabin condenser 940 and flow through valve 975 and into the outdoor heat exchanger 980. In this mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 980 acts as a condenser as a first fan 985 induces flow across the heat exchanger and the hot refrigerant vapor exchanges heat and condenses to a liquid. A portion of this liquid refrigerant will leave the outdoor heat exchanger 980 and enter the internal heat exchanger 990. Liquid refrigerant will be subcooled in the internal heat exchanger 990 and then flow to an expansion device 910 and into the cabin evaporator 930. This air-to-refrigerant cabin evaporator 930 will be of the fin-tube or microchannel type of heat exchanger and can be single or multiple pass. A second fan (or cabin blower fan) 935 will induce a flow of either 100% outside air or a mixture of outside air and return air from the cabin across the coil of the cabin evaporator 930 where heat will be exchanged between the air andrefrigerant. The refrigerant will vaporize and travel back to the internal heat exchanger 990 where it will be further superheated until it finally re-enters the compressor 950. The remaining portion of refrigerant exiting the condenser 980 will flow through expansion valve 915 and into the liquid / heat transfer fluid heat exchanger 920 wherein vehicle component heat is transferred via a heat transfer fluid loop (not shown) into the refrigerant. This vehicle heat transfer loop can then be used to manage other vehicle heat loads. The refrigerant vaporizes in heat exchanger 920 and joins the refrigerant exiting internal heat exchanger 990 at the suction of the compressor 950.

[0146] In another embodiment, in cooling mode when specific conditions exist where only vehicle cabin cooling is required, the refrigerant circuit 1000 operates as shown in FIG. 9. Starting at the compressor 1050, discharge refrigerant vapor will first flow through the cabin condenser 1040, wherein there will be no heat transfer, as in this mode, a physical bypass 1045 within the vehicle ventilation ductwork will prevent any air from flowing over the cabin condenser 1040. Vapor refrigerant will pass through the cabin condenser 1040 and flow through a valve 1075 to the outdoor heat exchanger 1080. In this mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 1080 acts as a condenser as a first fan 1085 induces flow across the heat exchanger 1080 and the hot refrigerant vapor exchanges heat and condenses to a liquid. This liquid refrigerant will leave the outdoor heat exchanger 1080 and enter the internal heat exchanger 1090. Liquid refrigerant will be subcooled in the internal heat exchanger 1090 and then flow to an expansion device 1010 and into the cabin evaporator 1030. A second fan (or cabin blower fan) 1035 will induce a flow of either 100% outside air or a mixture of outside air and return air from the cabin across the cabin evaporator 1030 where heat will be exchanged between the air and refrigerant. The refrigerant will vaporize and flow back to the internal heat exchanger 1090 where it will be further superheated until it finally returns to the compressor 1050.

[0147] With reference to FIG. 10, it illustrates an electric vehicle heat pump with secondary loops. The purpose of the secondary loops are to separate the refrigerant from the “users” or various vehicle heat exchangers used to cool / heat the cabin air, the power electronics, and the battery to enable the use of refrigerants with a higher flammability than historic refrigerants used for vehicles. The heat pump itself consists of a compressor (1), a condenser (2), an expansion valve (3), and anevaporator (4). The concept here is that the refrigerant loop is close coupled, contained within the “engine compartment,” and does not require reversing capability. Two separate heat transfer fluid (i.e. water, or a glycol solution, oils, refrigerants) loops are in communication with the refrigerant loop via the condenser (2) and evaporator (4). The first heat transfer fluid loop is contained within the “engine compartment” and utilizes an air-to-liquid heat exchanger (5) and circulation pump (6) to discharge heat from the condenser (2) in air-conditioning mode or provide heat to the evaporator (4) in heat pump mode or a combination of both. Air flows over the heat exchanger (5) via an external fan. The second heat transfer fluid loop consists of a pump (7) and heat exchanger (8). For simplicity, one heat exchanger is shown, when in reality, several heat exchangers could be employed providing heating / cooling to the cabin air, the power electronics, and the battery. Control valves (9), (10), (11), and (12) are used to depict the flexibility of such a system to provide heating, cooling, or both to any given heat exchanger via communication with the heat pump condenser (2) and evaporator (4).

[0148] For secondary loop systems, high efficiency in heat transfer can be achieved by the use of non-azeotropic refrigerant and the use of countercurrent flow heat exchanger, if the temperature profile of the refrigerant can be matched to that of the heat transfer fluid. If the difference in temperature throughout the heat exchanger can be held constant, then the efficiency of heat exchange can be optimized. Therefore, in another embodiment, disclosed herein is a method of improving heat transfer comprising matching the temperature profile of the refrigerant comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132Z to the temperature profile of the heat transfer fluid in a secondary loop system.

[0149] In another embodiment, an automobile heat pump system may include a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater. The PTC heater may be needed for use of the automobile heat pump in hybrid vehicles, such as HEV, PHEV, MHEV, to provide heating to the passenger compartment of an automobile. Additionally, the PTC heater may be needed when the ambient temperature is below about -20 °C, or below about -30 °C. In another embodiment, no PTC heater may be needed in some systems, so the system may not include a PTC heater.

[0150] In another embodiment, the high critical temperature of HFO-1132(Z) allows for heating water to higher temperatures than H FC-32, R-410A, propane, or R-454C while maintaining subcritical operation. Thus, the heat pump system comprising HFO-1132(Z) is useful as high temperature heat pump and hot water heat pump systems.

[0151] In another embodiment, the system comprising HFO-1132(Z) is useful in regions where the ambient temperature can exceed at least 35°C. Thus, providing cooling in high temperature regions of the world.

[0152] In another embodiment, provided herein is a method for replacing HFO- 1234yf, R-454C, R-32, or propane in an air-conditioner or heat pump comprising providing a composition comprising HFO-1132(Z) as refrigerant to the air-conditioner or heat pump.

[0153] Compositions comprising HFO-1132(Z) provide COP greater than any of HFO-1234yf, R-454C, R-32, or propane with GWP lower than R-454C or R-32. Additionally, HFO-11132(Z) has a lower compressor discharge temperature than R- 32, making it desirable as a replacement for R-32.

[0154] In another embodiment, is provided use of compositions comprising HFO- 1132(Z) as refrigerant in air-conditioning and heat pump systems. Many embodiments of this use are described herein above.

[0155] The following Examples are provided to illustrate certain aspects of the invention and shall not limit the scope of the appended claims.EXAMPLEExample 1

[0156] The cooling performance for HFO-1132(Z) is compared to R-410A(ASH RAE designation for a refrigerant containing 50 wt% H FC-32 and 50 wt% H FC- 125), R-454C (ASHRAE designation for a refrigerant containing 78.5 wt% HFO- 1234yf and 21.5 wt% HFC-32), R-32, propane, and HFO-1234ze(E) (1 , 3,3,3- tetrafluoropropene) under the conditions for residential air conditioning shown below.Table 1 provides the calculated results.Condenser temperature (avg) 46.1 CEvaporator temperature (avg) 10.0 CSubcool 8.3 KSuperheat 11.1 KCompressor efficiency 70%TABLE 1* AR5 **The GWP for HFO-1132(Z) is estimated.

[0157] The data demonstrate that HFO-1132(Z) provides the highest COP (a measure of energy efficiency) as compared to R-410A, R-454C, R-32, propane, or HFO-1234ze(E). Additionally, HFO-1132(Z) has zero glide, and lower pressures than propane and R-32, and lower discharge temperature than R-32. Further, with its high critical point, it can also serve well for air conditioning in high ambient temperature conditions, as well as provide heating at higher temperatures in heat pumps while maintaining subcritical operation.Example 2

[0158] A thermodynamic modeling program was used to calculate the expected performance of the refrigerant comprising HFO-1132(Z) compared to HFO-1234yf alone. Fourteen different sets of conditions were modeled, the conditions being specified by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) for characterization ofrefrigerant performance in an automobile heat pump system. Physical properties for the components were taken from NIST REFPROP Version 10.

[0159] The conditions used are as described herein below and in Table 2: Evaporator super heat = 10 KSuction line super heat = O KSubcooling = 5 KCompressor isentropic efficiency = 70% Compressor volumetric efficiency = 95 %TABLE 2*PTC= positive temperature coefficient heater

[0160] Thermodynamic Modeling Comparison for the Heat Pump Systems: HFO- 1132(Z) relative to HFO-1234yf, R-134a, and propane. The results displayed in Table 3 are the averages for volumetric capacity (% above that for 1234yf), and the averages for COP (% above that for 1234yf) for the SAE points 1-13 (see Table 2 above). Capacity (Cap) and COP are the percent above the corresponding value for the HFO-1234yf alone.TABLE 3*The GWP for 1132(Z) is estimated

[0161] The above data demonstrate that HFO-1132(Z) surprisingly provides volumetric capacity over 26% higher, and COP 49% higher than for HFO-1234yf alone. Furthermore, the above data demonstrate that HFO-1132(Z) surprisingly provides average volumetric capacity over 2% higher, and average COP over 7% higher than for HFO-134a alone. Furthermore, HFO-1132(Z) has over 9% higher COP and boiling point closer to HFC-134a than propane alone. The performance data in Table 3 show that HFO-1132(Z) can easily be used to provide more than adequate cooling and heating to a passenger cabin of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0162] While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of cooling comprising evaporating a composition comprising HFO- 1132(Z) in the vicinity of a body to be cooled and thereafter condensing said composition, wherein said cooling is provided by an air-conditioner or heat pump.

2. A method of heating comprising evaporating a composition comprising HFO-1132(Z) and thereafter condensing said composition in the vicinity of a body to be heated, wherein said heating is provided by a heat pump.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said air-conditioner or heat pump is a residential, light commercial, commercial, industrial, or automobile air conditioner or heat pump.

4. The method of claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the composition further comprises at least one additional compound selected from the group consisting of HFO- 1132(E), HCFC-133, HCFC-133b, HCFC-123, HFC-152, HFC-143, HFC-41, HCFC-22, propylene, ethylene, acetylene, HCFC-142a, HFO-1123, HFO-1141 , HFO-1132a, HCFO-1131 E, HCFO-1131Z, HCFO-1122, and HCFO-1122a.

5. The method of any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the composition further comprises at least one additional compound and the total amount of additional compounds is greater than zero and less than 1 weight percent.

6. The method of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the additional compounds comprise at least one selected from HFO-1132(E), HFO-1132a, HFC-152, HCFC-123, HCFC-142a, and HCFO-1122.

7. The method of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the composition is determined to be class 2 for flammability as defined in ANSI / ASHRAE Standard 34.

8. The method of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the composition further comprises a lubricant.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said lubricant is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene glycol, polyol ester, poly-a-olefin, and polyvinyl ether.

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein said lubricant is a polyol ester or a polyvinyl ether.11 . The method of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein said lubricant has at least one property selected from the group consisting of volume resistivity of greater than 1010Q-m at 20 °C; surface tension of from about 0.02 N / m to 0.04 N / m at 20 °C; kinemetic viscosity of from about 20 cSt to about 500 cSt at 40 °C; a breakdown voltage of at least 25 kV; and a hydroxy value of at most 0.1 mg KOH / g.

12. The method of any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein said composition further comprises from 0.1 to 200 ppm by weight of water; from about 10 ppm by volume to about 0.35 volume percent oxygen; and / or from about 100 ppm by volume to about 1.5 volume percent air.

13. The method of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein said composition comprises a stabilizer.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of nitromethane, ascorbic acid, terephthalic acid, azoles, phenolic compounds, cyclic monoterpenes, terpenes, phosphites, phosphates, phosphonates, thiols, and lactones.

15. The method of any of claims 13 or 14, wherein the stabilizer is selected from tolutriazole, benzotriazole, tocopherol, hydroquinone, t-butyl hydroquinone, 2,6- di-terbutyl-4-methylphenol, fluorinated epoxides, n-butyl glycidyl ether, hexanediol diglycidyl ether, allyl glycidyl ether, butylphenylglycidyl ether, d- limonene, a-terpinene, p-terpinene, a-pinene, p-pinene, or butylated hydroxytoluene.

16. The method of any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the stabilizer is present in an amount from about 0.001 to 1 .0 weight percent based on the weight of the refrigerant.

17. The method of any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the composition comprises at least one tracer.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said tracer is present in an amount from about 1 .0 ppm by weight to about 1000 ppm by weight.

19. The method of any of claims 17 or 18, wherein said at least one tracer is selected from the group consisting of hydrofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroolefins, hydrochlorocarbons, hydrochloroolefins, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluoroolefins, hydrochlorocarbons, hydrochloroolefins, chlorofluorocarbons, chlorofluoroolefins, hydrocarbons, perfluorocarbons, perfluoroolefins, and combinations thereof.

20. The method of any of claims 17 to 19, wherein said at least one tracer is selected from the group consisting of HFC-23, HCFC-31 , HFC-41, HFC-161, HFC-143a, HFC-134a, HFC-125, HFC-236fa, HFC-236ea, HFC-245cb, HFC- 245fa, HFC-254eb, HFC-263fb, HFC-272ca, HFC-281ea, HFC-281fa, HFC- 329p, HFC-329mmz, HFC338mf, HFC-338pcc, CFC-12, CFC-11, CFC-114, CFC-114a, HCFC-22, HCFC-123, HCFC-124, HCFC-124a, HCFC-141b, HCFC-142b, HCFC-151a, HCFC-244bb, HCC-40, HFO-1141, HCFO-1130, HCFO-1130a, HCFO-1131, HCFO-1122, HFO-1123, HFO-1234yf, HFO- 1234ye, HFO-1243zf, HFO-1225ye, HFO-1225zc, PFC-116, PFC-C216, PFC- 218, PFC-C318, PFC-1216, PFC-31-10mc, PFC-31-10my, and combinations thereof.

21. A system for cooling or heating comprising a composition comprising HFO- 1132(Z) and optionally a lubricant.

22. The system of claim 21, comprising an evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion device, each operably connected to perform a vapor compression cycle.

23. The system of claim 21 or 22, wherein said air-conditioner or heat pump is a residential, light commercial, industrial, or automobile air-conditioner or heat pump.

24. The system of any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the composition further comprises at least one additional compound selected from the group consisting of HFO-1132(E), HCFC-133, HCFC-133b, HCFC-123, HFC-152, HFC-143, HFC-41 , HCFC-22, propylene, ethylene, acetylene, HCFC-142a, HFO-1123, HFO-1141 , HFO-1132a, HCFO-1131 E, HCFO-1131(Z), HCFO-1122, and HCFO-1122a.

25. The system of any of claims 21 to 24 wherein the composition further comprises at least one additional compound and the total amount of additional compounds is greater than zero and less than 1 weight percent.

26. The system of any of claims 21 to 25, wherein the additional compounds comprise at least one selected from HFO-1132(E), HFO-1132a, HFC-152, HCFC-123, HCFC-142a, and HCFO-1122.

27. The system of any of claims 21 to 26, wherein the composition is determined to be class 2 for flammability as defined in ANSI / ASHRAE Standard 34.

28. The system of any of claims 21 to 27 wherein said system is a secondary loop system.

29. The system of any of claims 21 to 28, wherein the composition further comprises a lubricant.

30. The system of claim 21 or 29, wherein said system comprises a lubricant selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene glycol, polyol ester, poly-a- olefin, polyvinyl ether, and combinations thereof.

31. The system of any of claims 21 , 29 or 30, wherein said system comprises a lubricant selected from the group consisting of polyol esters, polyvinyl ethers, or combinations thereof.

32. The system of any of claims 21 , or 30 to 31 , wherein said lubricant has at least one property selected from the group consisting of volume resistivity of greater than 1O10Q-m at 20 °C; surface tension of from about 0.02 N / m to 0.04 N / m at 20 °C; kinemetic viscosity of from about 20 cSt to about 500 cSt at 40 °C; a breakdown voltage of at least 25 kV; and a hydroxy value of at most 0.1 mg KOH / g.

33. The system of any of claims 21 , 30 to 32, wherein said composition further comprises from 0.1 to 200 ppm by weight of water; from about 10 ppm by volume to about 0.35 volume percent oxygen; and / or from about 100 ppm by volume to about 1.5 volume percent air.

34. The system of any of claims 21 to 33, wherein said composition comprises a stabilizer.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein the stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of nitromethane, ascorbic acid, terephthalic acid, azoles, phenolic compounds, cyclic monoterpenes, terpenes, phosphites, phosphates, phosphonates, thiols, and lactones.

36. The system of any of claims 34 or 35, wherein the stabilizer is selected from tolutriazole, benzotriazole, tocopherol, hydroquinone, t-butyl hydroquinone, 2,6- di-terbutyl-4-methylphenol, fluorinated epoxides, n-butyl glycidyl ether, hexanediol diglycidyl ether, allyl glycidyl ether, butylphenylglycidyl ether, d- limonene, a-terpinene, p-terpinene, a-pinene, p-pinene, or butylated hydroxytoluene.

37. The system of any of claims 34 to 36, wherein the stabilizer is present in an amount from about 0.001 to 1.0 weight percent based on the weight of the refrigerant.

38. The system of any of claims 21 , or 34 to 37, wherein the composition comprises at least one tracer.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein said tracer is present in an amount from about 1 .0 ppm by weight to about 1000 ppm by weight.

40. The system of any of claims 38 or 39, wherein said at least one tracer is selected from the group consisting of hydrofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroolefins, hydrochlorocarbons, hydrochloroolefins, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluoroolefins, hydrochlorocarbons, hydrochloroolefins, chlorofluorocarbons, chlorofluoroolefins, hydrocarbons, perfluorocarbons, perfluoroolefins, and combinations thereof.

41. The system of any of claims 38 to 40, wherein said at least one tracer is selected from the group consisting of HFC-23, HCFC-31 , HFC-41, HFC-161, HFC-143a, HFC-134a, HFC-125, HFC-236fa, HFC-236ea, HFC-245cb, HFC- 245fa, HFC-254eb, HFC-263fb, HFC-272ca, HFC-281ea, HFC-281fa, HFC- 329p, HFC-329mmz, HFC338mf, HFC-338pcc, CFC-12, CFC-11, CFC-114, CFC-114a, HCFC-22, HCFC-123, HCFC-124, HCFC-124a, HCFC-141b, HCFC-142b, HCFC-151a, HCFC-244bb, HCC-40, HFO-1141, HCFO-1130, HCFO-1130a, HCFO-1131, HCFO-1122, HFO-1123, HFO-1234yf, HFO-1234ye, HFO-1243zf, HFO-1225ye, HFO-1225zc, PFC-116, PFC-C216, PFC- 218, PFC-C318, PFC-1216, PFC-31-10mc, PFC-31-10my, and combinations thereof.

42. A method of replacing HFC-134a, HFO-1234yf, R-454C, R-32, or propane in an air-conditioner or heat pump comprising providing a composition comprising HFO-1132(Z) as refrigerant to the air-conditioner or heat pump.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the composition provides COP greater than COP of HFC-134a, HFO-1234yf, R-454C, and propane when operating under the same conditions.

44. The method of claim 42 or 43, wherein the composition further comprises at least one additional compound selected from the group consisting of HFO- 1132(E), HCFC-133, HCFC-133b, HCFC-123, HFC-152, HFC-143, HFC-41, HCFC-22, propylene, ethylene, acetylene, HCFC-142a, HFO-1123, HFO-1141 , HFO-1132a, HCFO-1131 E, HCFO-1131Z, HCFO-1122, and HCFO-1122a.

45. The method of any of claims 42 to 44 wherein the composition further comprises at least one additional compound and the total amount of additional compounds is greater than zero and less than 1 weight percent.

46. The method of any of claims 42 to 45, wherein the additional compounds comprise at least one selected from HFO-1132(E), HFO-1132a, HFC-152, HCFC-123, HCFC-142a, and HCFO-1122.

47. The method of any of claims 42 to 46, wherein the composition is determined to be class 2 for flammability as defined in ANSI / ASHRAE Standard 34.

48. The method of any of claims 42 to 47, wherein the air-conditioner or heat pump is a secondary loop air-conditioner or heat pump.

49. The method of any of claims 42 to 48, wherein the composition further comprises a lubricant.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein said lubricant is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene glycol, polyol ester, poly-a-olefin, and polyvinyl ether.51 . The method of claim 49 or 50, wherein said lubricant is a polyol ester or a polyvinyl ether.

52. The method of any of claims 49 to 51 , wherein said lubricant has at least one property selected from the group consisting of volume resistivity of greater than 1010Q-m at 20 °C; surface tension of from about 0.02 N / m to 0.04 N / m at 20 °C; kinematic viscosity of from about 20 cSt to about 500 cSt at 40 °C; a breakdown voltage of at least 25 kV; and a hydroxy value of at most 0.1 mg KOH / g.

53. The method of any of claims 49 to 52, wherein said composition further comprises from 0.1 to 200 ppm by weight of water; from about 10 ppm by volume to about 0.35 volume percent oxygen; and / or from about 100 ppm by volume to about 1.5 volume percent air.

54. The method of any of claims 49 to 53, wherein said composition comprises a stabilizer.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of nitromethane, ascorbic acid, terephthalic acid, azoles, phenolic compounds, cyclic monoterpenes, terpenes, phosphites, phosphates, phosphonates, thiols, and lactones.

56. The method of any of claims 54 or 55, wherein the stabilizer is selected from tolutriazole, benzotriazole, tocopherol, hydroquinone, t-butyl hydroquinone, 2,6- di-terbutyl-4-methylphenol, fluorinated epoxides, n-butyl glycidyl ether, hexanediol diglycidyl ether, allyl glycidyl ether, butylphenylglycidyl ether, d- limonene, a-terpinene, p-terpinene, a-pinene, p-pinene, or butylated hydroxytoluene.

57. The method of any of claims 54 to 56, wherein the stabilizer is present in an amount from about 0.001 to 1 .0 weight percent based on the weight of the refrigerant.

58. The method of any of claims 49 to 57, wherein the composition comprises at least one tracer.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein said tracer is present in an amount from about 1 .0 ppm by weight to about 1000 ppm by weight.

60. The method of any of claims 58 or 59, wherein said at least one tracer is selected from the group consisting of hydrofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroolefins, hydrochlorocarbons, hydrochloroolefins, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluoroolefins, hydrochlorocarbons, hydrochloroolefins, chlorofluorocarbons, chlorofluoroolefins, hydrocarbons, perfluorocarbons, perfluoroolefins, and combinations thereof.

61. The method of any of claims 58 to 60, wherein said at least one tracer is selected from the group consisting of HFC-23, HCFC-31 , HFC-41, HFC-161, HFC-143a, HFC-134a, HFC-125, HFC-236fa, HFC-236ea, HFC-245cb, HFC- 245fa, HFC-254eb, HFC-263fb, HFC-272ca, HFC-281ea, HFC-281fa, HFC- 329p, HFC-329mmz, HFC338mf, HFC-338pcc, CFC-12, CFC-11, CFC-114, CFC-114a, HCFC-22, HCFC-123, HCFC-124, HCFC-124a, HCFC-141b, HCFC-142b, HCFC-151a, HCFC-244bb, HCC-40, HFO-1141, HCFO-1130, HCFO-1130a, HCFO-1131, HCFO-1122, HFO-1123, HFO-1234yf, HFO- 1234ye, HFO-1243zf, HFO-1225ye, HFO-1225zc, PFC-116, PFC-C216, PFC- 218, PFC-C318, PFC-1216, PFC-31-10mc, PFC-31-10my, and combinations thereof.

62. Use of compositions comprising HFO-1132(Z) as refrigerant in air conditioning and heat pumps.

63. The use of claim 62, wherein the air conditioners are selected from residential, commercial, or industrial air conditioning system, window, ducted, ductless, packaged terminal, or rooftop systems.

64. The use of claim 62 or 63 wherein the air conditioning systems are operating in ambient temperatures of 35°C or higher.

65. The use of claim 62, wherein the heat pumps are selected from residential, commercial, or industrial heat pumps, hot water heat pumps, high temperature heat pumps, or automobile heat pumps.

66. The use of claim 62 or 65, wherein the automobile heat pump is for an electric or hybrid vehicle.

67. The use of any of claims 62 to 66, wherein the air conditioning system or heat pump is a secondary loop system.

68. The method of claim 1 or 42, the system of claim 21 , or the use of claim 62, wherein the composition is free of or substantially free of Group A Fluorinated Substances, and wherein degradation products of the composition are free of or substantially free of Group A Fluorinated Substances.

69. A method of improving heat transfer comprising matching the temperature profile of a refrigerant comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of HFO-1132Z to the temperature profile of a heat transfer fluid in a secondary loop system.

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