Multi-Component HFC-HFO Refrigerant Composition for Low-GWP Retrofit

Solution Overview

Problem

Current refrigerant systems, particularly low temperature refrigeration systems using HFC-404A, face challenges due to high global warming potential, flammability, and the need for environmentally safer alternatives that maintain efficiency and compatibility with existing vapor compression technology.

Innovation Solution

A multi-component refrigerant composition comprising difluoromethane (HFC-32), pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), HFO-1234ze, and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, with optional CF3I and HFCO-1233ze, which provides a non-flammable, low GWP alternative that can be used as a drop-in replacement for HFC-404A in low temperature refrigeration systems without major engineering modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If HFC-404A is used in low temperature refrigeration systems, then cooling capacity and system compatibility are maintained, but global warming potential increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite refrigerant mixture comprising HFC-32, HFC-125, HFO-1234ze, and HFC-134a in specific weight ratios. This composite composition achieves low GWP (less than 150) while maintaining the cooling capacity and thermodynamic performance required for low temperature refrigeration applications, thereby resolving the contradiction between environmental harm and system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If flammable HFCs are used as refrigerant alternatives, then global warming potential is reduced, but safety and non-flammability requirements are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully selects and combines specific HFC and HFO components with defined flammability characteristics. By adjusting the weight ratios of HFC-32, HFC-125, HFO-1234ze, and HFC-134a, the composition achieves non-flammability (ASHRAE safety class A1) while maintaining low GWP, thus resolving the contradiction between environmental benefits and safety requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If existing refrigeration systems are retrofitted with new refrigerant compositions, then environmental impact is improved, but engineering modifications and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a refrigerant composition that is universally compatible with existing vapor compression refrigeration systems. The mixture maintains appropriate thermodynamic properties, lubricant compatibility, and system performance characteristics that allow it to function as a drop-in replacement for HFC-404A, thereby achieving environmental improvement without requiring major engineering modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If refrigerant composition is changed to reduce GWP, then environmental safety is improved, but heat transfer efficiency and energy consumption may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the thermodynamic parameters of the refrigerant mixture by carefully selecting the weight ratios of its components. The composition maintains appropriate vapor pressure, latent heat of vaporization, and heat transfer coefficients that ensure high energy efficiency and effective heat transfer performance in low temperature refrigeration cycles, thereby resolving the contradiction between environmental safety and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 composition achieves a significant reduction in global warming potential while maintaining cooling capacity and efficiency, allowing for retrofitting of existing systems with minimal modifications and improved environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

an evaporator in fluid communication, wherein said condenser has an operating temperature of from about 35°C to about 45°C, and said evaporator has an evaporator temperature of from about -25°C to about -35°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

a condenser and an evaporator in fluid communication, wherein said condenser has an operating temperature of from about 35°C to about 45°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP3026092B1Use of heat transfer composition in low temperature refrigeration system
Publication Date: 2022.10.12

AI summary

Compositions, methods and systems which comprise or utilize a multi-component mixture comprising: (a) from about 10% to about 35% by weight of HFC-32; (b) from about 10% to about 35% by weight of HFC-125; (c) from about 20% to about 50% by weight of HFO- 1234ze, HFO- 1234yf and combinations of these; (d) from about 15% to about 35% by weight of HFC-134a; and optionally (e) up to about 10% by weight of CF3I and up to about 5% by weight of HFCO-1233ze, with the weight percent being based on the total of the components (a) - (e) in the composition.