Nonflammable Low-GWP Refrigerant Blend for R-410A Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerants face challenges in achieving a balance of low global warming potential (GWP), non-flammability, low toxicity, and stable heat transfer properties, particularly in medium and low-temperature applications, with existing blends often failing to meet multiple criteria such as glide, GWP, and flammability standards.
Innovation Solution
The development of refrigerant compositions comprising specific ratios of HFO-1234ze, HFO-1336mzz, and HFC-134a, which provide a non-flammable, low-toxicity, and environmentally friendly option with a GWP of less than 150, suitable for use in medium and low-temperature refrigeration systems, cascade systems, and heat pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If single-component refrigerants are used, then the boiling point remains constant during evaporation, but it is difficult to achieve low GWP, non-flammability, and low glide simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses refrigerant blends composed of multiple components (HFO-1234ze, HFO-1234yf, HFC-134a, and/or HFC-125) in specific proportions to achieve properties that cannot be obtained with single-component refrigerants. The composite blend provides low GWP, non-flammability, and controlled glide characteristics simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the composition ratios of blend components to control the glide parameter. By adjusting the proportions of HFO-1234ze, HFO-1234yf, and other components, the glide is maintained below 3°C, matching the performance of single-component refrigerants while achieving multiple environmental criteria.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If refrigerant blends are used, then environmental friendliness can be improved, but the boiling point temperature changes significantly upon evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the composition parameters of the refrigerant blend to limit the temperature glide to less than 3°C. This is achieved by selecting specific ratios of HFO-1234ze, HFO-1234yf, and other components, thereby maintaining boiling point stability comparable to single-component refrigerants while achieving low GWP.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops composite refrigerant blends where the combination of HFO-1234ze, HFO-1234yf, and other components creates a synergistic effect that reduces both GWP and glide, overcoming the limitations of individual components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If refrigerants with low GWP are developed, then environmental friendliness improves, but non-flammability and low glide properties become difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite blends of HFO-1234ze, HFO-1234yf, and other refrigerants in specific proportions to achieve non-flammability (ASHRAE Class 1 or 2L) and low glide (<3°C) while maintaining low GWP. The combination of components provides the reliability needed for commercial applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the compositional parameters to control flammability and glide characteristics. By adjusting the ratios of HFO-1234ze, HFO-1234yf, and other components, the refrigerant blend achieves non-flammability and consistent performance across different operating conditions.
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
These compositions offer a unique combination of properties, including low GWP, non-flammability, and chemical stability, making them suitable replacements for traditional refrigerants like R-22 and R-410A, while maintaining effective heat transfer and lubricant compatibility across various temperature ranges.
Implementation Method 1
Certain single-component fluorocarbons, including chlorofluorocarbons ('CFCs'), hydrochlorofluorocarbons ('HCFCs'), and hydrofluorolefins ('HFOs'), have been used in many heat transfer applications
Implementation Method 2
This invention relates to high efficiency, high capacity, low-global warming potential ('low GWP') compositions, methods, and systems having utility in heat transfer applications
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerant composition comprising 75-80% by weight of HFO-1234ze(E), 6% to not greater than 12% by weight of HFC-134a and from 11% to about 17% by weight of HFO1336mzz(E), and to the use of the refrigerant in a heat exchange systems, including electronic cooling, low and medium temperature refrigeration and to the use of such compositions as a replacement of the refrigerant R-410A for heating and cooling applications.