Fluoroolefin Refrigerant Composition Stabilized Against Oligomerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluoroolefin refrigerants can degrade and oligomerize or homopolymerize under abnormal conditions, such as extreme temperatures or contact with contaminants, leading to the formation of unwanted by-products, which poses stability issues in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating inhibitors like limonene and α-terpinene into fluoroolefin-containing refrigerant compositions to prevent oligomerization and homopolymerization, maintaining stability and refrigeration performance while reducing the presence of oligomeric or polymeric products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluoroolefin refrigerants are used under abnormal conditions (extreme temperatures or contact with contaminants), then refrigeration performance can be maintained, but degradation and oligomerization/homopolymerization occur leading to unwanted by-products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces inhibitors (limonene and α-terpinene) as intermediary substances that mediate between the fluoroolefin refrigerant and the abnormal conditions (contaminants, extreme temperatures). These inhibitors act as radical scavengers that intercept and neutralize free radicals before they can initiate oligomerization or homopolymerization of the fluoroolefin, thereby preventing the formation of harmful by-products while allowing the refrigerant to maintain its cooling function under abnormal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of abnormal conditions (which would normally cause degradation and polymerization) into a beneficial outcome by using the inhibitors to transform the harmful free radical reactions into harmless inhibitor-radical complexes. The inhibitors sacrifice themselves by reacting with the free radicals generated under abnormal conditions, thereby protecting the fluoroolefin refrigerant from degradation and converting what would be harmful polymerization reactions into benign inhibitor consumption
2Stability of the object's composition
If inhibitors are added to prevent oligomerization and homopolymerization, then stability is improved, but composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting inhibitors with specific molecular structures (limonene and α-terpinene) and optimizing their concentration ranges (0.01-10% by weight) to achieve effective stabilization. By carefully controlling the amount and type of inhibitor added, the patent improves composition stability while minimizing the increase in complexity - the inhibitors are chosen to be chemically simple terpenes that do not introduce additional functional complexities to the refrigerant system
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 addition of limonene and α-terpinene as inhibitors effectively stabilizes fluoroolefin refrigerant compositions, preventing degradation and maintaining refrigeration performance, even in the presence of contaminants, thus enhancing their stability and safety in refrigeration systems.
Implementation Method 1
The inhibitor can function as a radical inhibitor and without affecting the refrigeration performance or compatibility of the refrigerant composition with refrigerant oil and parts
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to refrigerant compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin, at least one lubricant and an effective amount of at least one inhibitor wherein the inhibitor is present in the fluoroolefin and the lubricant.