Azeotrope-Like Refrigerant Blend for Low-GWP Non-Flammable Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The refrigeration industry faces challenges in finding replacements for high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants like R-404A and R-507 that are non-flammable, energy efficient, and compatible with existing systems, due to tightening environmental regulations.
Innovation Solution
A non-flammable refrigerant mixture comprising 23-25.5 weight percent HFO-1234yf, 22-24.5 weight percent HFC-32, 24.5-27 weight percent HFC-125, 25.5-28 weight percent HFC-134a, and 0.0001-5 weight percent trans-HFO-1234ze, which is azeotrope-like and suitable for use in refrigeration systems as a replacement for R-404A and R-507, offering low GWP and comparable cooling performance to existing refrigerants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If HFC refrigerants (R-404A, R-507) are used, then cooling performance is maintained, but global warming potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite refrigerant mixture comprising HFO-1234yf, HFC-32, HFC-125, and HFC-134a in specific proportions. This composite formulation achieves low GWP (less than 150) while maintaining cooling performance comparable to R-404A and R-507, resolving the contradiction between environmental harm and system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compositional parameters by incorporating HFO-1234yf (20-30 wt%) and optimizing the ratios of HFC-32, HFC-125, and HFC-134a. This parameter optimization enables the mixture to achieve both low GWP and high cooling efficiency, simultaneously improving environmental performance while maintaining reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If alternative refrigerants (HFC-152a, hydrocarbons, CO2) are used to reduce GWP, then environmental impact decreases, but flammability or toxicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite mixture where HFO-1234yf (non-flammable when blended) is combined with HFC-32, HFC-125, and HFC-134a. This composite formulation achieves low GWP while maintaining non-flammability, as the blend ratio keeps HFC-32 content below 25 wt%, preventing flammability while preserving cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by controlling the concentration of each component specifically - HFO-1234yf at 20-30 wt%, HFC-32 at 20-25 wt%, HFC-125 at 20-30 wt%, and HFC-134a at 20-30 wt%. This precise local control of composition ensures the mixture remains non-flammable while achieving low environmental impact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing systems are used with new refrigerants, then equipment compatibility is maintained, but system modifications may be required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal refrigerant mixture that can replace multiple existing refrigerants (R-404A, R-507, and other high-GWP HFCs) across different applications including commercial refrigeration, cold storage, and transport. The mixture's thermodynamic properties are optimized to work with existing system components without requiring major modifications, achieving broad adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the thermodynamic parameters of the refrigerant mixture by adjusting the composition ratios of HFO-1234yf, HFC-32, HFC-125, and HFC-134a. This parameter optimization ensures the mixture's pressure-temperature characteristics match existing system requirements, enabling direct replacement without complex equipment modifications while maintaining adaptability across applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-flammable refrigerant mixture is disclosed. The non-flammable refrigerant mixture consists essentially of (a) from 20 weight percent to 25.5 weight percent HFO-1234yf, (b) from 20 weight percent to 24.5 weight percent HFC-32, (c) from 24.5 weight percent to 30 weight percent HFC-125 (d) from 25.5 weight percent to 30 weight percent HFC-134a, and (e) from about 0.0001 weight percent to 10 weight percent trans-HFO-1234ze. These refrigerant mixtures are useful as components in compositions also containing non-refrigerant components (e.g. lubricants), in processes to produce cooling, in methods for replacing refrigerant R-404A or R-507, and in refrigeration apparatus.