Heat cycle system

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

HFO-1123, used as a working fluid in heat cycles, undergoes self-decomposition at high temperatures or pressures, posing risks of ignition and decomposition, which existing solutions fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

A heat cycle system employing a working fluid composition predominantly containing HFO-1123, with optional HFCs and other components, combined with a current-limiting apparatus to prevent self-decomposition during abnormal operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a conventional vapor compression refrigeration system is used, then refrigeration effect is achieved, but harmful refrigerants are required and environmental damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental damage from refrigerantsVSAvoidavailability of suitable refrigerants
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional vapor compression mechanical system with an absorption refrigeration system that uses thermal energy and chemical absorption principles. This substitution eliminates the need for harmful compressed gas refrigerants while maintaining refrigeration functionality through an environmentally friendly absorbent-refrigerant combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from mechanical compression to thermal-driven absorption. By using a desorber heated to elevated temperatures (e.g., waste heat or solar thermal energy) to drive the refrigerant vaporization and absorption cycle, the system achieves refrigeration without harmful refrigerants and adapts to various heat source temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If absorption refrigeration is used to eliminate harmful refrigerants, then environmental friendliness is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental damage from refrigerantsVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the absorber and desorber functions into a unified absorption refrigeration cycle system. By integrating the refrigerant absorption, circulation, and desorption processes into a coordinated thermal cycle with shared components (heat exchangers, pumps, control systems), the system achieves environmental friendliness while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The absorption refrigeration system is designed to accept various heat sources (waste heat, solar thermal, natural gas) and can operate in different modes (cooling only, heating only, or simultaneous heating and cooling). This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using a single versatile platform rather than separate specialized systems for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If simultaneous heating and cooling is provided, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the heating and cooling functions into a single absorption refrigeration system where the desorber provides heating while the evaporator provides cooling. The refrigerant circulation loop serves both functions simultaneously, with the heat input to the desorber driving the cycle that produces cooling at the evaporator. This merging eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling systems, improving energy efficiency while containing complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The absorption refrigeration system maintains continuous operation where the thermal energy input to the desorber continuously drives the refrigerant circulation, simultaneously producing cooling at the evaporator and heating at the desorber. This continuous dual-function operation maximizes energy utilization efficiency by eliminating idle periods and ensuring both heating and cooling loads are met concurrently through the same thermal cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system effectively suppresses self-decomposition reactions, maintaining low global warming potential and ensuring stable cycle performance even under abnormal conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an absorbent is circulated from the evaporator to the desorber wherein the absorbent absorbs the refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the refrigerant solution is heated in a desorber wherein a portion of the refrigerant is vaporized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

the refrigerant vapor is condensed in a condenser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 4

the liquid refrigerant is evaporated in an evaporator thereby providing refrigeration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3598040B1Heat cycle system
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 AGC INC
  • EP3598040B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3598040B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3598040B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

To provide a heat cycle system with high durability, which employs a working fluid for heat cycle containing trifluoroethylene having a low global warming potential. A heat cycle system 10, comprising a circulation path in which a working fluid for heat cycle containing trifluoroethylene is circulated from a compressor 11 via a condenser 12, an expansion valve 13 and an evaporator 14 to the compressor 11, wherein the compressor has in its electrical circuit a current-limiting apparatus capable of limiting the current within 6 milliseconds after the heat cycle system enters into an abnormal operation state.