Low-GWP Refrigerant Composition With CO2 for Reduced Flammability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerants face challenges due to high global warming potential, flammability, and environmental impact, necessitating the development of alternative heat transfer compositions with reduced greenhouse gas warming potential, improved safety, and compatibility with existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer composition comprising trans 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)) in combination with carbon dioxide (R-744) and a third component such as propylene, propane, or n-butane, optimized for reduced flammability, energy efficiency, and compatibility with existing refrigeration systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing refrigerants like R-134a, R-410A, R-22 are used, then refrigeration capacity and energy efficiency are maintained, but global warming potential and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite refrigerant mixtures combining multiple components (e.g., R-125, R-134a, R-1234yf, R-32, R-152a, R-124, R-143a) in specific proportions to achieve low GWP while maintaining refrigeration capacity. Each component contributes different properties that complement each other, creating a mixture that meets both environmental and performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies the compositional parameters (weight percentages of different refrigerant components) to optimize the balance between GWP and refrigeration capacity. By adjusting parameters like the amount of R-125 (0-70%), R-134a (10-80%), and R-1234yf (0-30%), the invention achieves multiple formulations that satisfy both environmental regulations and performance requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flammable refrigerants like R-152a are used to reduce GWP, then global warming potential decreases, but flammability and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific roles to different refrigerant components based on their properties. Non-flammable components like R-125 and R-134a serve as safety buffers and primary refrigerants, while flammable components like R-152a and R-1234yf are used in controlled amounts to provide low GWP. The composition is designed so that the non-flammable majority ensures safety while the flammable minority provides environmental benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses non-flammable refrigerant components as intermediaries that mediate between the safety requirements and the low-GWP requirements. Components like R-125 and R-134a act as intermediaries that dilute the flammability of R-152a and R-1234yf while maintaining the overall refrigeration effect, thus enabling the use of low-GWP flammable components without compromising safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If new refrigerant compositions are developed to reduce environmental impact, then compatibility with existing equipment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing refrigerant mixtures that perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide refrigeration capacity, ensure safety (non-flammability or controlled flammability), meet environmental requirements (low GWP), and maintain compatibility with existing equipment. The inclusion of well-established components like R-134a and R-125 ensures compatibility with existing systems while newer components like R-1234yf provide environmental benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses homogeneity by selecting refrigerant components that have similar physical and chemical properties to existing refrigerants, ensuring smooth integration with existing equipment. The components are chosen to have comparable pressure-temperature characteristics, lubricant compatibility, and system material compatibility, making the transition to low-GWP refrigerants seamless without requiring equipment modifications.
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 composition achieves energy efficiency and refrigeration capacity comparable to existing refrigerants, with reduced flammability and greenhouse gas warming potential, while being compatible with existing equipment, thus offering a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant liquid evaporates at low pressure taking heat from the surrounding zone
Implementation Method 2
evaporates at low pressure taking heat from the surrounding zone
Implementation Method 3
The resulting vapour is then compressed
Implementation Method 4
passed to a condenser where it condenses and gives off heat to a second zone
Implementation Method 5
the condensate being returned through an expansion valve to the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising (i) a first component selected from trans-1, 3, 3, 3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)), cis-1, 3, 3, 3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(Z)) and mixtures thereof; (ii) carbon dioxide (R-744); and (iii) a third component selected from propylene (R-1270), propane (R-290), n-butane (R- 600), isobutane (R-600a), and mixtures thereof.