Low-GWP Ternary Refrigerant Composition for High-Capacity Cooling
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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 using a ternary composition of HFO-1132 (E), HFO-1123, and R1234yf, with specific mass ratios within defined ranges, is proposed to achieve refrigerating capacity and coefficient of performance (COP) ratios comparable to R410A while maintaining low GWP and flammability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If R410A or R404A is used as refrigerant, then refrigerating capacity and COP are maintained at high levels, but GWP becomes excessively high (2088 for R410A, 3920 for R404A)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the refrigerant by using HFO-1132(E) instead of traditional HFC components, fundamentally altering the refrigerant's properties to achieve low GWP while maintaining performance. This parameter change transforms the refrigerant from high-GWP (R410A, R404A) to low-GWP composition with HFO-1132(E) as main component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite refrigerant mixture combining HFO-1132(E) with specific proportions of other refrigerants (R32, R1234yf, R125, R134a) to achieve optimal balance between low GWP and high refrigerating capacity/COP. The composite composition leverages synergistic effects of different components to resolve the contradiction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If HFO-1132(E) content is increased to reduce GWP, then flammability increases, but refrigerating capacity may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of HFO-1132(E) within specific ranges (60-95 mass%) to balance flammability and refrigerating capacity. By precisely controlling this parameter, the refrigerant achieves low GWP while maintaining acceptable safety characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite refrigerant mixtures where HFO-1132(E) is combined with other refrigerants in specific proportions. This composite approach dilutes the flammability risk of pure HFO-1132(E) while maintaining its low-GWP benefit and high refrigerating capacity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If refrigerant composition is optimized for low GWP, then environmental friendliness improves, but refrigerating capacity and COP ratios relative to R410A may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple composition parameters simultaneously (HFO-1132(E) content, R32 content, R1234yf content, etc.) within defined ranges to achieve the dual goal of low GWP and high refrigerating capacity/COP ratios of 92.5% or more relative to R410A.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite refrigerant formulations that combine HFO-1132(E) with complementary refrigerants to maintain thermodynamic performance. The composite mixture ensures that refrigerating capacity and COP ratios reach 92.5% or more of R410A while keeping GWP low.
Data Source
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Figure 1C
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.