Refrigerant Blend Composition for Low-GWP Non-Flammable Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a non-flammable, low or zero global warming potential (GWP) alternative to HFC-134a refrigerants that maintains energy efficiency and compatibility with existing vapor compression technology in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as many HFCs are flammable and have high GWP.

Innovation Solution

A multi-component mixture comprising HFC-134a combined with HFO-1234ze and HFO-1234yf, within specific weight percentages, which achieves Class 1 flammability and low GWP, while maintaining energy consumption properties comparable to HFC-134a.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If HFC-134a is used as refrigerant, then energy efficiency and compatibility with existing vapor compression technology are maintained, but global warming potential is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidglobal warming potential

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite refrigerant mixture comprising HFO-1234ze, HFO-1234yf, and HFC-134a in specific proportions. This composite formulation combines the low GWP properties of HFO components with the proven performance of HFC-134a, achieving both environmental compliance and energy efficiency in existing vapor compression systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If HFO-1234ze and HFO-1234yf are used as refrigerant alternatives, then global warming potential is reduced, but flammability increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglobal warming potentialVSAvoidflammability safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by blending HFO-1234ze and HFO-1234yf with HFC-134a in specific ratios (where HFO-1234ze + HFO-1234yf constitute 35-65% by weight). This parameter optimization achieves Class 1 flammability rating while maintaining low GWP, resolving the safety concern associated with pure HFO refrigerants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If new refrigerant compositions are developed to replace HFC-134a, then environmental safety is improved, but compatibility with existing systems and energy efficiency may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental safetyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the local composition ratios of HFO-1234ze, HFO-1234yf, and HFC-134a to achieve specific performance characteristics. By carefully controlling the proportion of each component (with HFO components at 35-65% by weight), the formulation maintains thermodynamic properties compatible with existing vapor compression systems while delivering low GWP and acceptable energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8974688B2Compositions and methods for refrigeration

Publication Date: 2015.03.10 SOLSTICE ADVANCED MATERIALS US INC

AI summary

Heat transfer systems, methods and compositions which utilize a heat transfer fluid comprising: (a) from about 30% to about 65% by weight of HFC-134a; (b) from about 0% to about 70% by weight of HFO1234ze; and (c) from about 0% to about 70% by weight of HFO-1234yf, provided that the amount of HFO-1234ze and HFO-1234yf in the composition together is at least about 35% by weight, with the weight percent being based on the total of the components (a)-(c) in the composition.