Binary Refrigerant Composition for Low-GWP Compression Refrigeration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerants like HFC-134a have high global warming potential (GWP) and existing alternatives such as carbon dioxide and R-404A have implementation challenges, while current heat transfer fluids do not effectively address ozone depletion potential (ODP) and GWP in low and medium temperature refrigeration systems.

Innovation Solution

Binary compositions of 2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and difluoromethane are used as heat transfer fluids in compression systems, operating in countercurrent or cross-current modes, offering zero ODP and low GWP, with improved coefficient of performance (COP) and compatibility with existing compressors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If HFC-134a is used as refrigerant, then ozone depletion potential is reduced, but global warming potential increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveozone depletion potentialVSAvoidglobal warming potential
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using binary mixtures of HFO-1234yf and HFC-32 with specific weight ratios (HFO-1234yf: 61-85%, HFC-32: 15-39%). This composition change achieves both low GWP (less than 150) and zero ODP, resolving the contradiction between reducing ozone depletion and minimizing global warming potential.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If carbon dioxide is used as refrigerant, then global warming potential is reduced, but implementation pressure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglobal warming potentialVSAvoidimplementation pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter of operating pressure by using HFO-1234yf/HFC-32 binary compositions that operate at moderate pressure levels compatible with existing equipment. This resolves the contradiction by achieving low GWP without requiring the extremely high pressures needed for CO2 systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If R-404A is used as refrigeration fluid, then refrigeration performance is improved, but global warming potential increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigeration performanceVSAvoidglobal warming potential
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite refrigerant formulations by creating binary mixtures of HFO-1234yf and HFC-32. This composite approach achieves both excellent refrigeration performance (COP higher than current fluids) and low environmental impact (GWP less than 150, zero ODP), replacing high-GWP alternatives like R-404A.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing heat transfer fluids are used, then system compatibility is maintained, but environmental performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidenvironmental performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of heat transfer fluids by using HFO-1234yf/HFC-32 binary compositions with specific ratios. These compositions maintain compatibility with existing compression systems and equipment while achieving superior environmental performance (zero ODP, GWP less than 150), resolving the contradiction between system compatibility and environmental performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 binary compositions provide efficient heat transfer with high COP, replacing R-404A and R-407C, and do not require new compressor development, while being environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

A heat exchanger is a device that transfers thermal energy from one fluid to another without mixing them. The heat flow passes through the exchange surface that separates the fluids.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

these compositions can be used as heat transfer fluid in compression systems for low and medium temperature refrigeration, with exchangers operating in countercurrent mode or in cross-flow mode with countercurrent tendency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCountercurrent heat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP2475735B2Low-temperature and average-temperature refrigeration
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 ARKEMA FRANCE SA
  • EP2475735B2 patent drawing
  • EP2475735B2 patent drawing
  • EP2475735B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to the use of binary compositions of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and difluoromethane as a heat transfer fluid in compression, low-temperature and average temperature refrigeration systems, with exchangers operating in counterflow mode or in split flow mode with counterflow tendency. The invention also relates to a heat transfer method.