Low-GWP Refrigerant Composition Using HFO-1132(E), R32, and R1234ze

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current refrigerants like R404A have high global warming potential (GWP) and there is a need for alternatives with lower GWP for refrigeration systems.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerant composition comprising trans-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(E)), difluoromethane (R32), and 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R1234ze) is developed, which offers a lower GWP and comparable refrigerating capacity to R404A, while also meeting flammability criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If R404A refrigerant is used, then refrigerating capacity is maintained, but global warming potential increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglobal warming potentialVSAvoidrefrigerating capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the refrigerant by replacing R404A with a mixture containing HFO-1132(E), R32, and R1234ze in specific proportions. This parameter change achieves GWP of 150 or less while maintaining refrigerating capacity of 70% or more relative to R404A, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing harmful environmental factors and maintaining reliable refrigeration performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If low-GWP refrigerant alternative is used, then environmental performance improves, but refrigerating capacity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglobal warming potentialVSAvoidrefrigerating capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite refrigerant mixture combining HFO-1132(E), R32, and R1234ze in specific proportions. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of each component: HFO-1132(E) provides low GWP, R32 contributes to refrigerating capacity, and R1234ze adjusts the overall performance. The synergistic combination achieves both low GWP (150 or less) and adequate refrigerating capacity (70% or more of R404A), resolving the contradiction between environmental performance and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20220145154A1Refrigerant-containing composition, use thereof, refrigerator using same, and operation method for said refrigerator

Publication Date: 2022.05.12 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

An object is to provide a novel low-GWP mixed refrigerant. A solution to the problem is to provide a composition containing a refrigerant that contains trans-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(E)), difluoromethane (R32), and 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R1234ze).