1234yf Azeotropic Refrigerant Composition Low GWP
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Solution Overview
Problem
The industry faces challenges in identifying new, environmentally safe, non-fractionating azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions with low Global Warming Potential (GWP) for applications such as refrigerants, blowing agents, and heat transfer media, as the predictability of azeotrope formation is complex and existing compositions often have ozone depletion potentials.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising 1234yf and at least one component selected from R-134 or R-134a, with varying mole percentages, forming azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixtures that include additional components like lubricants, which are useful in cooling, heat transfer, and as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and fire suppression agents, with GWP levels below 1500, 750, or 500.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If new azeotropic compositions with low GWP are developed, then environmental safety is improved, but the complexity of identifying and predicting azeotrope formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by selecting specific hydrofluorocarbon components (1234yf, R-134, R-134a) with known low GWP values and determining their optimal molar ratios to form azeotropic compositions. This approach systematically adjusts composition parameters to achieve both low environmental impact and predictable azeotrope formation behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite azeotropic refrigerant compositions by combining multiple hydrofluorocarbon components (1234yf with R-134 or R-134a) in specific proportions. This composite approach allows the mixture to exhibit azeotropic behavior with constant boiling point while maintaining low GWP, resolving the contradiction between environmental safety and prediction complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing refrigerant compositions are used, then availability and commercial use are maintained, but ozone depletion potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ozone-depleting compositions to ozone-safe compositions by changing the chemical parameters to use only hydrofluorocarbons (which have zero ODP) while maintaining the azeotropic composition structure. This allows existing azeotropic refrigeration systems to continue operating with environmentally safer alternatives
3Object-affected harmful factors
If azeotropic compositions are designed for low GWP, then environmental performance is improved, but the range of suitable applications and performance matching legacy refrigerants becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the azeotropic composition of 1234yf with R-134 or R-134a to serve multiple applications including refrigeration, heat transfer, and aerosol propellants. The composition maintains universal applicability across different uses while achieving low GWP, and its thermodynamic properties are tuned to match legacy refrigerant performance characteristics
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The described composition provides azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixtures with low GWP, suitable for various industrial applications, offering stable boiling points and reduced ozone depletion potential, comparable in performance to legacy refrigerants like R-22 and R-404A, while maintaining zero ODP and low GWP.
Implementation Method 1
Azeotropic or azeotrope like compositions comprising 1234yf and at least one component selected from a group comprising of R-134, and R-134a
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions comprising 1234yf and at least one component selected from a group comprising of R-134, and R-134a. The compositions of the present invention are useful as refrigerants, heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and fire suppression and fire extinguishing agents.