Compositions comprising difluoromethane, pentafluoroethane, tetrafluoropropene, and tetrafluoroethane and uses thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning and heat pump systems face challenges in high ambient temperature environments due to the limitations of existing refrigerants, which have high global warming potential, are flammable, and do not provide sufficient energy efficiency, necessitating the development of low global warming potential materials with zero ozone depletion potential for efficient heating and cooling.
Innovation Solution
The use of compositions comprising difluoromethane, pentafluoroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene as working fluids in heat pumps and air conditioning systems, with specific weight percentage ratios and the inclusion of optional non-refrigerant components like lubricants and stabilizers to enhance performance and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing refrigerants are used in air conditioning and heat pump systems, then the systems can operate in various environments, but they have high global warming potential and are flammable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a refrigerant composition that combines multiple hydrofluorocarbon components (HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, and HFO-1234yf) in specific proportions. This composite refrigerant mixture achieves lower global warming potential compared to individual refrigerants while maintaining non-flammability and operational reliability through the synergistic effects of the blended components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If existing refrigerants are used, then the systems can provide heating and cooling functions, but they do not provide sufficient energy efficiency in high ambient temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the refrigerant composition parameters - specifically using a blend of HFC-32 (15-40 wt%), HFC-125 (10-30 wt%), HFC-134a (10-30 wt%), and HFO-1234yf (20-45 wt%). This compositional parameter adjustment optimizes the thermodynamic properties of the refrigerant, enabling superior energy efficiency and performance in high ambient temperature environments compared to conventional single-component refrigerants.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If new low GWP refrigerants are developed, then environmental impact is reduced, but the systems require new working fluids that may not be readily available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the availability issue by formulating a composite refrigerant using four components (HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, and HFO-1234yf) that are either currently available in the market or can be produced through established chemical processes. This approach enables manufacturers to source components from existing supply chains while achieving low GWP performance, avoiding the need for entirely new and unavailable working fluids.
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 improved energy efficiency, reduced global warming potential, non-flammability, and enhanced performance in high temperature applications, enabling effective heating and cooling in regions with high ambient temperatures while meeting environmental and safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
The compositions are useful in methods for producing cooling and heating, methods for producing air conditioning... in heat transfer systems including heat pumps and air conditioners
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a composition comprising (a) from 1 to 29 weight percent difluoromethane; (b) from 1 to 19 weight percent pentafluoroethane; (c) from 9 to 42 weight percent 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, or a mixture thereof; and (d) from 34 to 68 weight percent 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene or mixture thereof; wherein when the composition contains 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, the composition also contains at least some 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane; wherein the ratio of component (a) to component (b) is at most 1.5:1; and wherein the ratio of component (c) to component (d) is at least 0.04:1. The compositions are useful in methods for producing cooling and heating, methods for producing air conditioning, methods for replacing HCFC-22, R-410A, R-407C, HFC-134a, CFC-12, HCFC-22 and HCFC-124 and in heat transfer systems including heat pumps and air conditioners.