Low-GWP Refrigerant Composition Balancing COP and Flammability

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a low-GWP refrigerant that can replace existing refrigerants such as R410A, R12, R22, R134a, and others, while maintaining or improving performance and safety characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerant composition comprising ≥ 99.5 mass% of trans-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(E)), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf), and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a), or HFO-1132(E), HFO-1234yf, and 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoro-1-propene (FO-1216), which are used as alternatives to existing refrigerants, with specific mass% ratios to achieve low GWP, high COP, and reduced burning velocity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If existing refrigerants (R410A, R12, R22, R134a) are used, then cooling performance and reliability are maintained, but global warming potential (GWP) is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglobal warming potentialVSAvoidcooling performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite refrigerant formulations combining HFO-1132(E) with other fluorinated compounds (HFO-1234yf, R134a, or FO-1216) to achieve low GWP while maintaining reliable cooling performance. The specific compositions (99.5-100% HFO-1132(E) combined with 0.5-10% other refrigerants) create a composite material that balances environmental benefits with operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the refrigerant by transitioning from conventional HFC-based refrigerants to HFO-based refrigerants with different molecular structures and lower GWP values. This parameter change (chemical composition) achieves reduced environmental harm while maintaining cooling performance through careful selection of complementary refrigerant components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If HFO-1132(E) is used as a primary refrigerant component, then GWP is reduced, but burning velocity increases and disproportionation reactions occur at high pressure and temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglobal warming potentialVSAvoidburning velocity and disproportionation reactions

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful flammability and instability characteristics of pure HFO-1132(E) into beneficial properties by combining it with other refrigerants. The blending components (HFO-1234yf, R134a, or FO-1216) act as stabilizers that reduce burning velocity and suppress disproportionation reactions, while the HFO-1132(E) provides the low GWP benefit. This transforms a potentially dangerous substance into a safe and effective refrigerant mixture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite refrigerant mixtures where HFO-1132(E) (99.5-100%) is combined with small amounts of other refrigerants (0.5-10%) to achieve a balanced formulation. This composite approach maintains the low GWP advantage of HFO-1132(E) while the blending components provide flame suppression and chemical stability at operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If refrigerant composition is optimized for low GWP, then environmental performance improves, but coefficient of performance (COP) may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglobal warming potentialVSAvoidcoefficient of performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the compositional parameters of the refrigerant mixture to achieve a balance between low GWP and high COP. By carefully adjusting the ratios of HFO-1132(E) (99.5-100%) to blending refrigerants (0.5-10%), the formulation achieves favorable thermodynamic properties that maintain efficient heat transfer and compressor performance, preventing COP deterioration despite the chemical composition change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite refrigerant formulations where the synergistic interaction between HFO-1132(E) and blending refrigerants (HFO-1234yf, R134a, or FO-1216) produces a mixture with both low GWP and high COP. The blending components complement the primary HFO-1132(E) to achieve optimized thermodynamic cycles and heat exchange efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4400555B1Composition containing refrigerant, use of same, refrigerator comprising same, and method for operating refrigerator

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD

Figure 1

AI summary

Provided is a novel low-GWP mixed refrigerant. A composition comprising a refrigerant, the refrigerant comprising trans-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(E)), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf), and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a), the total content of HFO-1132(E), HFO-1234yf, and R134a being 99.5 mass% or more based on the total of the refrigerant.