Low GWP refrigerant compositions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant compositions have high global warming potential (GWP), toxicity, flammability, and burning velocity, which pose environmental and safety concerns, necessitating the development of alternative refrigerants with lower GWP, improved safety, and similar efficiency and capacity to existing systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of refrigerant compositions comprising R1132(E), R1234yf, and a third refrigerant such as R32, R1132a, R1123, or CO2, which have a GWP of about or less than 300, while maintaining or improving performance and safety characteristics compared to existing refrigerants like R404A and R410A.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing refrigerant compositions (HFCs) are used to maintain system capacity and efficiency, then refrigeration performance is preserved, but global warming potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using HFO-1234yf and HFO-1132(E) as base refrigerants with specific GWP characteristics, combined with third refrigerants in controlled ratios to achieve target GWP ≤300 while maintaining refrigeration capacity through optimized blend formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite refrigerant compositions by blending multiple refrigerant components (HFO-1234yf, HFO-1132(E), and third refrigerants like R32, R1132a, R1123, or CO2) to achieve desired performance characteristics including GWP ≤300, appropriate capacity, and safety properties
2Object-affected harmful factors
If refrigerant compositions with lower GWP are developed, then environmental impact is reduced, but flammability and safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the composition ratios of flammable HFO-based refrigerants and third refrigerants to control the overall flammability characteristics while maintaining GWP ≤300, achieving A2L safety classification through optimized blend proportions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses third refrigerants (R32, R1132a, R1123, or CO2) as intermediary components that modulate the flammability and safety characteristics of the HFO-based base refrigerants, creating a balanced composition with acceptable safety profiles
3Object-affected harmful factors
If refrigerant compositions are reformulated to reduce GWP, then environmental compliance is improved, but system performance and capacity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the compositional parameters of the refrigerant blend to achieve GWP ≤300 while maintaining refrigeration capacity at or above 85% of R404A and at or below 110% of R410A through systematic variation of blend ratios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses HFO-1234yf and HFO-1132(E) in specific proportions that provide sufficient refrigeration capacity while their lower individual GWPs contribute to the overall GWP ≤300 target, achieving environmental goals without excessive capacity loss
4Object-affected harmful factors
If existing high-GWP refrigerants are replaced, then environmental sustainability is improved, but system safety and toxicity profiles worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical identity parameters by selecting HFO-based refrigerants and compatible third refrigerants with favorable toxicity profiles, achieving environmental sustainability with acceptable safety characteristics
Data Source
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AI summary
The refrigerant composition includes R1132(E) refrigerant, a second refrigerant, and a third refrigerant. The second refrigerant is one of R1234ze(E) refrigerant, R134a refrigerant, or R1234yf. The third refrigerant is one of R32 refrigerant, R1132a refrigerant, R1123 refrigerant, and CO2. The refrigerant composition has a GWP of at or about or less than 750. A method of making a refrigerant composition for an HVACR system includes mixing an amount of R1132(E) refrigerant, an amount of a second refrigerant, and an amount of a third refrigerant. A method of retrofitting an HVACR system having an existing refrigerant composition includes adding at least one of R1132(E) refrigerant, a second refrigerant, and a third refrigerant to the existing refrigerant composition to obtain a retrofit refrigerant composition.