Low-GWP Working Fluid Composition for R410A Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current working fluids for heat cycles, such as R410A, have high global warming potential (GWP) and limited refrigerating capacity, necessitating the development of alternatives with lower GWP and improved cycle performance.

Innovation Solution

A working fluid composition comprising a specific proportion of HFO-1234yf and HFO-1123, with a total proportion of 70-100% and a ratio of HFO-1234yf to HFO-1123 ranging from 35-95%, combined with optional hydrofluorocarbons like HFC-32, to achieve balanced refrigerating capacity and low GWP.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If HFO-1234yf is used as a working fluid, then global warming potential is reduced, but refrigerating capacity becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglobal warming potentialVSAvoidrefrigerating capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines HFO-1234yf with HFO-1123 in a specific mass ratio (70:30 to 95:5) to create a mixed working fluid. This merging allows the composition to inherit the low GWP property of HFO-1234yf while gaining sufficient refrigerating capacity from HFO-1123, thereby resolving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and refrigerating performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite working fluid system by formulating a specific mixture of HFO-1234yf and HFO-1123. This composite approach allows the working fluid to achieve balanced performance characteristics that neither component could provide alone, specifically achieving both low global warming potential and adequate refrigerating capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If R410A is used as a working fluid, then refrigerating capacity is high, but global warming potential becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigerating capacityVSAvoidglobal warming potential

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the working fluid by replacing HFC components (high GWP) with HFO components (low GWP). Specifically, it formulates a mixture of HFO-1234yf and HFO-1123 that maintains refrigerating capacity while dramatically reducing global warming potential from 2088 (R410A) to below 150

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the previously harmful high GWP characteristic of R410A into a benefit by using HFO-based compounds that have inherently low GWP values. The carbon-carbon double bond in HFO molecules, which was previously seen as a stability issue, is now leveraged to achieve both environmental friendliness and adequate refrigerating performance

Inventive Principle:

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

Data Source

PatentUS11421136B2Working fluid for heat cycle, composition for heat cycle system, and heat cycle system

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 AGC INC

AI summary

A working fluid for heat cycle, a composition for a heat cycle system containing the working fluid, and a heat cycle system employing the composition are provided. The working fluid has a low global warming potential and can replace R410A. The working fluid contains trifluoroethylene, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, and optionally a hydrofluoroolefin other than trifluoroethylene and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene. The total proportion of trifluoroethylene and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene based on the entire amount of the working fluid is from 70 to 100 mass %.