Mixed Refrigerant Composition to Balance COP and Low GWP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerants used in heat pumps, such as 2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf), suffer from low coefficient of performance (COP) and contribute to environmental pollution due to chlorine content, necessitating the development of a refrigerant with high COP and zero ozone depleting potential (ODP) and low global warming potential (GWP).
Innovation Solution
A mixed refrigerant composition comprising carbon dioxide (R-744), 2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf), and trifluoroiodomethane (R-13I1) is developed, with specific weight ratios and properties to enhance thermal stability, refrigeration capacity, and environmental friendliness, avoiding supercritical phase conversion and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf) is used as a refrigerant, then the global warming potential is reduced, but the coefficient of performance decreases requiring an additional heat pump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite refrigerant composition by mixing R-1234yf with R-744 and R-13I1 in specific proportions. This composite approach combines the low GWP advantage of R-1234yf with the high COP characteristics of R-744 and the thermal stability of R-13I1, achieving both environmental friendliness and high coefficient of performance in a single refrigerant system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the refrigerant system by selecting specific components with complementary properties. By adjusting the composition ratios (R-1234yf: 45-95%, R-744: 1-10%, R-13I1: 5-49%) and controlling the boiling point range (-76 to -35°C), the system optimizes both environmental impact and thermodynamic performance
2Power
If refrigerants containing chlorine are used, then the refrigeration capacity is improved, but ozone layer destruction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates chlorine atoms from the refrigerant composition entirely. By selecting R-1234yf, R-744, and R-13I1 as base components - none of which contain chlorine - the system removes the harmful ozone-depleting substance while maintaining refrigeration capacity through the synergistic combination of these alternative refrigerants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional chlorine-based refrigerants to emerging alternative refrigerants. By adopting newer refrigerant chemistry (HFO-based R-1234yf and HFC-based R-13I1), the system achieves comparable or superior performance without the long-term environmental harm of chlorine compounds
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 mixed refrigerant composition improves cooling performance, reduces environmental impact, and enhances thermal and chemical stability, while maintaining low GWP and ODP, thus addressing the limitations of existing refrigerants.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant may include, for example, natural refrigerants, chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-based refrigerants, hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-based refrigerants, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based refrigerants, and hydrofluoroolefm (HFO)-based refrigerants
Implementation Method 2
Refrigerants are substances used to remove heat from heat pumps utilized in air conditioners, refrigerators, cooling towers and the like
Data Source
AI summary
A mixed refrigerant composition includes carbon dioxide (R-744), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf) and trifluoroiodomethane (R-13I1). A content of the carbon dioxide (R-744) ranges from 1 to 10 wt. % based on a total weight of the mixed refrigerant composition, and a sum of a content of the 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf) and a content of the trifluoroiodomethane (R-13I1) ranges from 90 to 99 wt. % based on the total weight of the mixed refrigerant composition. A boiling point at 1 atm of the mixed refrigerant composition ranges from −76 to −35° C.