Azeotropic HFE-HFIP Composition for Stable Heat Pump Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alternatives to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) face challenges such as flammability, environmental impact, and instability in mixture ratios when used as coolants, cleaners, and heat transfer mediums, leading to performance issues in heat pumps and cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A composition of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropylmethylether and hexafluoroisopropanol exhibiting an azeotropic mixture-like behavior, maintaining consistent mixture ratios in both liquid and vapor phases, which is non-flammable and has a low environmental impact, is developed for use in heat transfer compositions and cleaners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If HFEs are used independently as alternative compounds, then ozone layer depletion is prevented, but required performance is not exerted sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite HFE materials by mixing multiple HFE compounds (HFE-7100, HFE-7200, HFE-356mmz) in specific proportions to create a mixture that achieves both environmental safety and sufficient performance characteristics including appropriate boiling point, heat transfer properties, and cleaning ability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-azeotropic-mixture-like composition is used, then cleaning characteristics are improved, but mixture ratio changes during evaporation causing unstable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the composition parameters by formulating an azeotropic mixture where the vapor phase and liquid phase have substantially the same component ratios. This parameter change ensures that during evaporation and cleaning processes, the mixture ratio remains stable, preventing performance degradation while maintaining improved cleaning characteristics
3Reliability
If a plurality of HFEs are mixed to improve properties, then compatibility and coolant characteristics are improved, but concentration control becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compositional parameter to create an azeotropic mixture where the vapor-liquid equilibrium results in identical phase compositions. This eliminates the need for concentration control during operation, as the mixture naturally maintains stable proportions without requiring monitoring or adjustment
4Use of energy by moving object
If non-azeotropic mixture is used as coolant, then heat transfer properties are improved, but heat pump performance lowers when coolant leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the coolant composition to an azeotropic mixture, changing the phase equilibrium parameters so that vapor and liquid phases have matching compositions. This ensures that even if coolant leaks and evaporates, the remaining liquid maintains the same composition, preserving heat pump performance while retaining improved heat transfer properties
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 composition provides stable and efficient heat transfer characteristics, reduces environmental impact, and improves the performance of heat pumps and cleaning processes by maintaining consistent mixture ratios, thus addressing the limitations of previous alternatives.
Implementation Method 1
A composition of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropylmethylether and hexafluoroisopropanol exhibiting an azeotropic mixture-like behavior, maintaining consistent mixture ratios in both liquid and vapor phases
Data Source
AI summary
An azeotropic mixture-like composition containing 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropylmethylether (HFE-356mmz) and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) is provided. 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropylmethylether may be contained at a ratio higher than or equal to 0.1% by mass and lower than or equal to 99.9% by mass.