Multi-Component Refrigerant Mixture to Replace R-404A with Low GWP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigeration systems using HFC-404A have high global warming potential and are flammable, posing environmental and safety concerns, necessitating the development of non-flammable, low or zero ozone depletion refrigerant alternatives with similar cooling capacity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-component refrigerant mixture comprising HFC-32, HFC-125, HFO-1234ze, HFO-1234yf, HFC-134a, and optionally CF3I and HFCO-1233ze, with specific weight ratios, providing non-flammable and low GWP properties suitable for low and medium temperature refrigeration systems, allowing for retrofitting existing systems without major engineering changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HFC-404A is used as refrigerant, then cooling capacity is maintained, but global warming potential increases and flammability risk occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing HFC-404A with a multi-component mixture containing HFO-1234ze, HFO-1234yf, HFC-134a, HFC-125, and HFC-32 in specific weight ratios. This parameter change achieves lower GWP (below 150) and non-flammability while maintaining cooling capacity through optimized compositional parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite refrigerant mixture combining multiple fluorocarbon and hydrofluorocarbon components. Each component contributes specific properties: HFO-1234ze and HFO-1234yf provide low GWP, HFC-134a and HFC-125 provide stability and cooling capacity, and HFC-32 enhances efficiency. The composite mixture achieves properties that individual components cannot provide alone
2Object-affected harmful factors
If refrigerant composition is changed to reduce GWP, then environmental safety improves, but cooling efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the weight ratios of each component to balance environmental performance and cooling efficiency. By adjusting parameters such as HFO-1234ze (5-30%), HFO-1234yf (5-30%), and HFC-134a (20-40%) content, the mixture achieves both low GWP and high cooling efficiency, preventing the typical trade-off between environmental safety and productivity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing refrigeration systems are retrofitted with new refrigerant, then environmental compliance improves, but system compatibility challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a refrigerant mixture with universal compatibility across different refrigeration system types (low-temperature and medium-temperature systems). The composite formulation ensures compatibility with various lubricants and system materials, allowing the same refrigerant composition to function effectively in diverse existing systems without requiring specialized modifications
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions, methods and systems which comprise or utilize a multi-component mixture comprising: (a) HFC-32; (b) HFC-125; (c) HFO-1234yf and/or HFO-1234ze; (d) HFC-134a. In certain non-limiting aspects, such refrigerants may be used as a replacement for R-404A.