Low-GWP Refrigerant Blend Composition for Non-Flammable Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerants face challenges in achieving low global warming potential (GWP), non-flammability, low glide, and toxicity requirements, particularly in medium and low-temperature refrigeration systems, where existing solutions like R448A have high GWP and safety concerns in public spaces.
Innovation Solution
The development of refrigerant compositions comprising specific blends of R-32, HFO-1234yf, HFO-1132(E), and CO2, which provide a balance of properties including GWP less than 150, non-flammability, and low toxicity, suitable for use in walk-in refrigeration units and vending machines, by adjusting the weight percentages of these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If single-component refrigerants are used, then the boiling point remains constant during evaporation, but it is difficult to achieve low GWP, non-flammability, and low toxicity simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses refrigerant blends combining HFO-1234yf, HFO-1132(E), and CO2 to achieve low GWP (<150), non-flammability, and low toxicity simultaneously. The composite blend compensates for individual component limitations, creating a refrigerant that meets all safety and environmental requirements while maintaining acceptable thermal performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If refrigerant blends are used, then it is possible to achieve low GWP and non-flammability, but the boiling point changes significantly during evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects the composition ratios of HFO-1234yf, HFO-1132(E), and CO2 to control the glide characteristics. By adjusting the weight percentages of each component, the blend achieves an optimized balance between low GWP, non-flammability, and acceptable boiling point stability during evaporation.
3Productivity
If existing refrigerants like R448A are used, then cooling capacity is maintained, but GWP is high and safety concerns exist in public spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the refrigerant composition by using HFO-1234yf, HFO-1132(E), and CO2 blends that maintain cooling capacity comparable to R448A while achieving GWP <150 and non-flammability. The specific parameter changes in composition enable both performance and safety improvements.
4Stability of the object's composition
If refrigerant blends with low glide are developed, then evaporator temperature stability improves, but it becomes extremely difficult to find a single-component fluid or blend that satisfies all requirements simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a three-component blend of HFO-1234yf, HFO-1132(E), and CO2 that achieves low glide while meeting all safety and environmental requirements. The composite approach allows optimization of multiple properties simultaneously that cannot be achieved with single-component refrigerants or simpler blends.
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
These refrigerant blends offer a low GWP, non-flammable, and toxicologically acceptable solution that meets stringent energy efficiency and safety standards, replacing high-GWP refrigerants like R448A while maintaining or improving cooling capacity and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the boiling point is constant... permits the refrigeration system or method to be designed with a refrigerant temperature along the evaporator that has an acceptably small change during the evaporation processes
Implementation Method 2
transferring heat to or from said refrigerant in a heat transfer system
Data Source
AI summary
Refrigerant comprising from about 15% to about 22% by weight of R-32; from about 61% to about 71.5% by weight of HF0-1234yf; from about 4% to about 14.5% by weight of HFO-1132(E); and from 1% to 4% by weight of CO2.