Low-GWP Refrigerant Composition for Freezing and Cold Storage Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of studies on which refrigerant with low Global Warming Potential (GWP) should be used for refrigerant cycle apparatuses for freezing or cold storage, despite growing concerns about global warming.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant cycle apparatus for freezing or cold storage that includes a refrigerant circuit with a compressor, radiator, and heat absorber, using a refrigerant composition of at least trans-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(E)), trifluoroethylene (HFO-1123), and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (R1234yf), with specific mass ratios within defined ranges in a ternary composition diagram to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional refrigerants (R410A or R404A) are used in refrigerant cycle apparatus, then the refrigeration performance is maintained, but the global warming potential increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the refrigerant by using HFO-1132(E) as the primary component (5-50 mass%) instead of conventional refrigerants. This parameter change achieves low GWP (less than 150) while maintaining refrigeration performance through the specific composition range and component selection including HFO-1123, HFO-1234yf, and HFC-134a.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite refrigerant mixture combining multiple components (HFO-1132(E), HFO-1123, HFO-1234yf, HFC-134a) in specific proportions. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of each component to achieve both low environmental impact and reliable refrigeration performance that single-component refrigerants cannot provide.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low-GWP refrigerants are used to reduce environmental impact, then the global warming potential decreases, but the refrigeration performance and efficiency are insufficient due to lack of studies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes refrigeration efficiency by precisely controlling composition parameters: HFO-1132(E) at 5-50 mass%, HFO-1123 at 10-40 mass%, HFO-1234yf at 5-30 mass%, and HFC-134a at 5-30 mass%. These parameter ranges were determined through systematic studies to achieve both low GWP and high refrigeration efficiency, addressing the productivity concern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses HFO-1132(E) at relatively high concentrations (5-50 mass%) compared to other low-GWP refrigerant formulations, leveraging its superior thermodynamic properties to maintain productivity. This partial excessive action with the most effective component compensates for the lower efficiency of other low-GWP alternatives.
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 proposed solution effectively addresses the need for low-GWP refrigerants by providing a refrigerant cycle apparatus that efficiently operates within defined composition ranges, enhancing the environmental sustainability of freezing or cold storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
a heat absorber; The refrigerant contains at least trans-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(E))
Implementation Method 2
a radiator; The refrigerant contains at least trans-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(E))
Implementation Method 3
a refrigerant circuit and a refrigerant enclosed in the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a radiator, a decompressing portion, and a heat absorber
Data Source
AI summary
A showcase includes a refrigerant circuit and a refrigerant enclosed in the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor (121), a radiator (122), an expansion valve (123), and an evaporator (124). The refrigerant is a low-GWP refrigerant.