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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerants, such as R-134a and R-1234yf, are limited in their ability to operate efficiently in heat pump mode at low ambient temperatures, reducing energy efficiency and heating capacity in electric vehicles, while new refrigerants must have a Global Warming Potential (GWP) below 150 to comply with EU regulations.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant composition comprising 1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1132a), difluoromethane (R-32), and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf) in specific weight percentages, offering improved performance in both air-conditioning and heat pump modes, with a GWP below 150, and higher vapor pressures for efficient operation at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If R-134a or R-1234yf is used as refrigerant, then the system meets current air-conditioning performance requirements, but the system shows reduced capacity and energy efficiency in heat pump mode at low ambient temperatures below -10°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite refrigerant composition by combining three different refrigerant components (R-1132a, R-1234yf, and R-32) in specific proportions. This composite approach allows the refrigerant mixture to exhibit improved thermodynamic properties for heat pump operation at low temperatures while maintaining low GWP, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and adaptability across temperature ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the refrigerant system by introducing a specific composition ratio of components with different boiling points and vapor pressure characteristics. This parameter modification enables the refrigerant to maintain adequate vapor pressure and heating capacity at low ambient temperatures below -10°C, thereby improving both energy efficiency and temperature adaptability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If R-134a is replaced by R-1234yf to meet EU F-Gas regulations, then the GWP is reduced from 1430 to about 1, but the system loses the ability to provide effective heating in heat pump mode at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite refrigerant mixture that combines the low-GWP advantage of R-1234yf with the complementary properties of R-1132a and R-32. This composite formulation maintains GWP below 150 while restoring adequate heating capacity at low temperatures, thus resolving the contradiction between environmental compliance and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces R-1132a and R-32 as intermediary substances that mediate between the low-GWP requirement and the heating performance requirement. These intermediary components enhance the vapor pressure and heat transfer properties of the base R-1234yf, enabling reliable heat pump operation at low temperatures without compromising environmental compliance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If carbon dioxide (R-744) is used as refrigerant, then the GWP requirement is met, but the system requires high-pressure equipment leading to higher cost and poor energy efficiency at higher ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the pressure and temperature parameters of the refrigerant system by selecting a composition that operates at moderate pressures suitable for existing automotive heat pump hardware. This parameter optimization avoids the need for expensive high-pressure equipment while maintaining low GWP and good energy efficiency across a wide temperature range.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single refrigerant composition is used across all vehicle platforms, then production benefits and simpler manufacturing are achieved, but the refrigerant must compromise performance for both ICE and EV thermal management systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal refrigerant composition that performs effectively in both air-conditioning mode for ICE vehicles and heat pump mode for EVs. The multi-functional formulation accommodates different operating conditions and thermal management requirements, enabling a single refrigerant to serve multiple vehicle platforms without compromising performance efficiency.
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 provides enhanced energy efficiency, increased heating and cooling capacities, and reduced flammability, enabling effective thermal management in electric vehicles at ambient temperatures as low as -25°C to -30°C, while meeting environmental regulations.
Implementation Method 1
The refrigerant composition comprises 1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1132a), difluoromethane (R-32) and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf) that is useful in mobile or automotive thermal management systems
Implementation Method 2
The composition provides enhanced energy efficiency, increased heating and cooling capacities
Implementation Method 3
passenger heating must be achieved either by using battery energy in a resistive heating system or by recycling and upgrading heat from other sources using a heat pump
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention provides a composition comprising (a) from about 6 to about 18 weight % R-1132a, (b) from about 5 to about 35 weight % R-32, and (c) from about 47 to about 89 weight % R-1234yf. The use of such a composition as a working fluid in a heat pump system of a vehicle, preferably an electric vehicle, is also provided.