Mixed Refrigerant Composition for Low-GWP Heat Pump COP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerants used in heat pumps, such as 2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, have low coefficients of performance (COP) and contribute to environmental pollution due to chlorine content, necessitating the development of refrigerants with high COP and low global warming potential (GWP) that do not harm the ozone layer.
Innovation Solution
A mixed refrigerant composition comprising carbon dioxide (R-744), trifluoroiodomethane (R-13I1), and 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a), with specific weight ratios and boiling points, is used to enhance cooling and heating performance while avoiding chlorine and minimizing environmental impact.
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 environmental friendliness is improved (no chlorine atoms, low GWP), but cooling performance deteriorates (low coefficient of performance)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite refrigerant mixture comprising multiple components (R-1234yf, R-134a, and R-125) instead of a single refrigerant. This composite approach allows the system to benefit from the environmental properties of R-1234yf while compensating for its low performance through the complementary characteristics of R-134a and R-125, achieving both environmental friendliness and adequate cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration ratios of the refrigerant components to achieve desired performance. By carefully controlling the weight percentages of each component (R-1234yf: 1-50%, R-134a: 50-80%, R-125: 1-40%), the system adjusts its thermodynamic properties to balance environmental impact and cooling efficiency.
2Productivity
If refrigerants containing chlorine atoms are used, then cooling performance is improved, but environmental harm increases (ozone layer destruction)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates chlorine-containing compounds from the refrigerant composition entirely. By using only chlorine-free refrigerants (R-1234yf, R-134a, R-125), the invention removes the harmful ozone-depleting substances while maintaining cooling functionality through the synergistic combination of alternative refrigerants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the limitation of R-1234yf (low cooling performance when used alone) into a benefit by combining it with other refrigerants that have complementary properties. The mixture allows the system to achieve both environmental compliance and adequate performance, turning the initial disadvantage into an opportunity for optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If miniaturized heat pumps are developed for electric vehicles, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a heat pump system that can serve multiple functions (cooling and heating) and is adaptable to different applications (automotive HVAC, portable air conditioners, refrigerators). The use of a standardized refrigerant mixture and compact design allows the same core technology to be applied across various device types and sizes, reducing overall system complexity despite increased versatility.
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 the COP of heat pumps, reduces environmental pollution, and maintains stability, with a GWP of 1 to 75, effectively controlling temperature and increasing refrigeration efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
refrigerants are substances used to remove heat from heat pumps
Implementation Method 2
refrigerants are substances used to remove heat from heat pumps
Data Source
AI summary
The mixed refrigerant composition according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes carbon dioxide (R-744), trifluoroiodomethane (R-13I1), and 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a), wherein a sum of contents of the trifluoroiodomethane (R-13I1) and the 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a) based on a total weight of the mixed refrigerant composition may be 60 wt. % or more and less than 100 wt. %. Accordingly, environmental pollution caused by the mixed refrigerant composition may be suppressed, and the cooling performance of the mixed refrigerant composition may be improved.