E-HFO-1234ze and HFC Blend for Low GWP Power Cycles

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for low global warming potential working fluids in power cycles such as organic Rankine cycles that also have a low environmental impact, specifically with regards to ozone depletion potential.

Innovation Solution

The use of a composition comprising E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (E-HFO-1234ze) and at least one tetrafluoroethane, either 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134) or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), which is heated to convert heat into mechanical energy through expansion in a power cycle apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional working fluids are used in power cycles, then energy conversion efficiency is maintained, but global warming potential and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglobal warming potentialVSAvoidenergy conversion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the working fluid by using E-HFO-1234ze blended with HFC-134 or HFC-134a, achieving low GWP (less than 150) while maintaining appropriate thermodynamic properties for efficient power cycle operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite working fluid mixture combining E-HFO-1234ze with HFC-134 or HFC-134a, where the blend ratios are optimized to achieve both low environmental impact and high energy conversion efficiency in organic Rankine cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If working fluids with low global warming potential are used, then environmental impact is reduced, but availability of suitable fluids with appropriate thermodynamic properties is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidavailability of suitable working fluids

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a universal working fluid composition that can be applied across different power cycle applications and heat source temperatures, providing both low environmental impact and broad adaptability to various organic Rankine cycle configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If new working fluid compositions are developed, then environmental performance is improved, but safety concerns such as flammability may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses HFC-134 or HFC-134a as an intermediary component in the blend, which has well-established safety characteristics and non-flammability, thereby ensuring the overall working fluid composition maintains high safety standards while achieving low GWP through the E-HFO-1234ze component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enables efficient conversion of heat to mechanical energy while maintaining low global warming potential and non-flammability, offering improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional working fluids.

Implementation Method 1

heating a working fluid comprising E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (E-HFO-1234ze) and at least one compound selected from 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134) and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) using heat supplied from a heat source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

expanding the heated working fluid to lower the pressure of the working fluid and generate mechanical energy as the pressure of the working fluid is lowered

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP4112700A1Use of compositions comprising tetrafluoropropene and tetrafluoroethane in power cycles and power cycle apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.01.04 THE CHEMOURS CO FC LLC

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AI summary

A method for converting heat from a heat source to mechanical energy is provided. The method comprises heating a working fluid using heat supplied from the heat source; and expanding the heated working fluid to lower the pressure of the working fluid and generate mechanical energy as the pressure of the working fluid is lowered; wherein the working fluid consists essentially of from about 1 weight percent to 85 weight percent E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and about 99 weight percent to 15 weight percent 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane; or E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane. Additionally, a power cycle apparatus is provided containing a working fluid consisting essentially of E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane.