Refrigerant blends having low global warming potential
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP) and low ozone depletion potential (ODP) to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in various applications, including refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the recovery, purification, and blending of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) to form refrigerant blends with reduced GWP, using compounds like difluoromethane (R-32), pentafluoroethane (R-125), and hydrofluoroolefins with GWP less than 20.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If newly manufactured hydrofluorocarbons and hydrofluoroolefins are used in refrigerant blends, then refrigeration performance is maintained, but global warming potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers hydrofluorocarbons from refrigeration systems that have completed their service life, purifies them through distillation to remove contaminants, and reuses them in new refrigerant blends. This circular approach reduces the need for new refrigerant production and lowers global warming potential while maintaining system performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the composition parameters of refrigerant blends by combining recovered hydrofluorocarbons with hydrofluoroolefins having lower GWP values. By adjusting the ratios of different components (e.g., R-32, R-125, R-134a combined with HFO-1234yf), the blend achieves both low GWP and reliable refrigeration performance
2Object-generated harmful factors
If hydrofluorocarbons are recovered and purified from used refrigeration systems, then global warming potential is reduced, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary filtration and separation of contaminants from recovered hydrofluorocarbons before the main distillation process. This preliminary action removes bulk impurities (particulates, water, non-condensable gases) that would otherwise complicate the purification process and require more complex equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical purification systems with a simplified distillation approach. By utilizing the natural boiling point differences between hydrofluorocarbon components and contaminants, the process achieves high purification without requiring sophisticated mechanical separation equipment
3Object-generated harmful factors
If recovered hydrofluorocarbons are blended with low-GWP hydrofluoroolefins, then environmental impact is minimized, but blend composition precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements quality control feedback mechanisms that monitor the composition of recovered hydrofluorocarbons before blending. By measuring the purity and composition of recovered materials, the process can adjust blending ratios to ensure the final refrigerant blend meets precise specifications for both performance and environmental characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls the composition parameters of the final blend by adjusting the ratios of recovered hydrofluorocarbons to hydrofluoroolefins. By optimizing these composition parameters, the blend achieves the desired balance between low GWP and reliable refrigeration performance
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 process results in refrigerant blends with significantly reduced GWP compared to blends of newly manufactured components, contributing minimal to global warming and maintaining system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
purifying the one or more hydrofluorocarbon compounds to form one or more purified hydrofluorocarbon compounds
Implementation Method 2
evaporating the refrigerant blend in the vicinity of a body to be cooled
Implementation Method 3
condensing the refrigerant blend
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to processes for preparing refrigerant blends comprising one or more purified hydrofluorocarbon compounds, wherein the one or more hydrofluorocarbon compounds have been recovered from one or more refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pump systems, and purified.