On-Site Refrigerant Conversion for Lower-GWP Replacement Blends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerant recovery methods often require shipping refrigerants to central processing sites for destruction or reuse, which is inefficient and does not effectively address the high global warming potential (GWP) of existing refrigerants.
Innovation Solution
On-site conversion of original refrigerants into refrigerants with lower GWP by adding or removing refrigerant components, allowing for in-situ or container-based reclamation, and utilizing a filter and dryer to produce a compatible, drop-in replacement refrigerant blend.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If refrigerant is recovered and shipped to central processing sites for destruction or reuse, then refrigerant can be processed, but processing costs and transportation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized refrigerant processing system into distributed on-site processing units. Instead of collecting all refrigerant at a central facility, each HVAC system has its own conversion capability, segmenting the processing function across multiple locations and eliminating transportation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables HVAC systems to perform refrigerant conversion independently without external processing facilities. The system uses its own existing components (compressor, condenser, evaporator) to convert the refrigerant in-place, making the system self-sufficient for refrigerant management.
2Reliability
If original refrigerants are used in HVAC systems, then system operation is maintained, but global warming potential remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the refrigerant by blending original refrigerant with alternative refrigerants having lower GWP. This parameter change maintains the refrigerant's functional properties for HVAC operation while reducing its environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite refrigerant mixture by combining original refrigerant components with alternative refrigerants. This composite approach allows the system to retain the performance characteristics of the original refrigerant while incorporating lower-GWP components to reduce environmental impact.
3Productivity
If refrigerant conversion is performed on-site, then processing time and costs are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing HVAC system components serve multiple functions. The compressor, condenser, and evaporator not only provide cooling but also function as the conversion system, eliminating the need for separate conversion equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a blending agent or intermediate substance to facilitate the conversion process. This intermediary enables the mixing and conversion of refrigerants through existing system components without requiring complex new equipment, simplifying the implementation of on-site conversion.
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
This approach enables efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly on-site refrigerant repurposing, reducing GWP, avoiding central processing costs, and potentially lowering greenhouse gas emissions while meeting regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a filter and/or dryer is employed when converting the original refrigerant to the converted refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a filter and/or dryer is employed when converting the original refrigerant to the converted refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A method of converting a refrigerant includes recovering a refrigerant from a refrigeration unit with an evacuation pump and containing the recovered refrigerant in a container. The method also includes converting the recovered refrigerant. The converted refrigerant is different from the recovered refrigerant. A system for converting a refrigerant includes an evacuation pump, a container, and one or more refrigerant containers. The evacuation pump and container are configured to recover a refrigerant from a refrigeration unit. The one or more refrigerant containers deliver one or more refrigerant components into the container to convert the recovered refrigerant.