Refrigerant Compressor Discharge Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, such as R-457A, exhibit higher discharge temperatures than conventional high GWP refrigerants like R-404A, which can limit the operating envelope of low back pressure hermetic reciprocating compressors, particularly in low temperature refrigeration applications, and reduce compressor longevity without active discharge temperature control.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerant composition comprising difluoromethane (R-32) and 2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf) in specific weight percentages, or including 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a), is used to replace high GWP refrigerants like R-404A, R-457A, and R-454C, maintaining or improving discharge temperature and heat transport capacity while reducing GWP.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If low GWP refrigerants like R-457A are used, then global warming potential is reduced, but discharge temperature increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglobal warming potentialVSAvoiddischarge temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the refrigerant composition parameters by combining R-32 (15-30 wt%) and R-1234yf (70-85 wt%) in specific proportions. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving low GWP (≤150) while maintaining discharge temperatures within the acceptable range of 78.0°C to 102.0°C, unlike R-457A which exceeds this range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite refrigerant system by combining two different refrigerant components (R-32 and R-1234yf) with complementary properties. R-32 provides good cooling performance and appropriate discharge temperature, while R-1234yf contributes to low GWP and heat transport capacity, achieving a balance that neither component could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If low GWP refrigerants are used, then environmental impact is reduced, but compressor operating envelope is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglobal warming potentialVSAvoidcompressor operating envelope
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the refrigerant composition parameters (R-32 at 15-30 wt%, R-1234yf at 70-85 wt%) to match the operating characteristics of low back pressure hermetic reciprocating compressors. This parameter tuning ensures compatibility with compressor design specifications, expanding the operating envelope compared to other low GWP refrigerants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If low GWP refrigerants are used, then environmental sustainability is improved, but compressor longevity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglobal warming potentialVSAvoidcompressor longevity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the discharge temperature parameter within the range of 78.0°C to 102.0°C through optimized refrigerant composition. This temperature control prevents excessive thermal stress on compressor components, thereby extending compressor service life and longevity while maintaining low GWP characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional high GWP refrigerants like R-404A are replaced, then environmental performance is improved, but heat transport capacity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglobal warming potentialVSAvoidheat transport capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite refrigerant system where R-1234yf (70-85 wt%) provides high heat transport capacity and low GWP, while R-32 (15-30 wt%) enhances cooling performance and maintains appropriate discharge temperature. This composite approach matches or exceeds the heat transport capacity of conventional high GWP refrigerants like R-404A while achieving GWP ≤150.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 proposed refrigerant composition achieves compressor discharge temperatures between 78.0°C and 102.0°C, comparable energy efficiency, and similar or improved refrigerant properties to the replaced refrigerants, extending compressor service life and enabling broader application in low temperature refrigeration.

Implementation Method 1

The refrigerant composition circulates throughout the refrigeration system as part of the heat transfer processes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

The refrigerant composition circulates throughout the refrigeration system as part of the heat transfer processes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

compressing by low back pressure (LBP) hermetic reciprocating compressor the refrigerant composition. The discharge temperature of the compressor is between 78.0°C and 102.0°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3969536B1Refrigerant compressor systems
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 THE CHEMOURS CO FC LLC
  • EP3969536B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3969536B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3969536B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A refrigeration system, including a low back pressure (LBP) hermetic reciprocating compressor and a refrigerant composition. The refrigerant composition includes difluoromethane (R-32), and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R‑1234yf).