Low-GWP Mixed Refrigerant Composition with HFO-1132(E) and CO2

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerants like R410A have high global warming potential (GWP), necessitating the development of low-GWP alternatives for air conditioning systems.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerant composition comprising trans-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(E)), difluoromethane (R32), 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R1234ze), and carbon dioxide (CO2) is proposed, which can replace R410A while maintaining refrigerating capacity and reducing GWP.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If natural refrigerants like ammonia, carbon dioxide, or hydrocarbons are used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but safety concerns arise due to toxicity, flammability, or high operating pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite refrigerant formulation by combining multiple refrigerant components (e.g., HFO-1234yf, HFO-1234ze, R134a, R125) to create a blended refrigerant mixture. This composite approach allows the system to achieve low GWP (environmental benefit) while maintaining appropriate safety characteristics through careful selection of component ratios and properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If refrigerant composition is optimized for environmental performance, then GWP is reduced, but compatibility with existing lubricants and system components becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglobal warming potentialVSAvoidsystem compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the compositional ratios of refrigerant components to optimize both environmental performance and system compatibility. By varying the proportions of different HFO compounds and compatible refrigerants, the formulation achieves low GWP while maintaining compatibility with existing lubricants and system materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If new refrigerant formulations are developed to meet environmental regulations, then regulatory compliance is improved, but verification of safety and performance requires extensive testing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidtesting and verification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by conducting comprehensive safety and performance assessments during the refrigerant formulation development phase. By performing leak tests, compatibility tests, and performance evaluations before final deployment, the invention ensures regulatory compliance is achieved efficiently with minimized verification time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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 new refrigerant achieves a GWP of ≤ 350, retains ≥ 80% refrigerating capacity of R410A, and is classified as WCF lower flammability, making it a viable and environmentally friendly alternative.

Implementation Method 1

a composition comprising a refrigerant and a method for operating a refrigerator having the composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP3988861B1Composition containing refrigerant, use of same, refrigerator having same, and method for operating said refrigerator
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3988861B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3988861B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3988861B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An object is to provide a novel low-GWP mixed refrigerant. Provided as a means for a solution is a composition comprising a refrigerant, the refrigerant comprising trans-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(E)), difluoromethane (R32), 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R1234ze), and carbon dioxide.