Refrigerant Composition Balancing Low GWP with COP and Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerants like R404A and R410A have high global warming potential (GWP) and there is a need for alternatives with equivalent or higher coefficient of performance (COP) and refrigerating capacity while reducing GWP.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant composition comprising difluoromethane (HFC-32), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf), and at least one of 1,1-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132a) or tetrafluoroethylene, with specific mass percentage ratios within defined ranges, to achieve low GWP and improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional refrigerants like R404A and R410A are used, then equivalent or high COP and refrigerating capacity are achieved, but GWP is excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite refrigerant formulations combining multiple HFO and HFC compounds in specific ratios. Example 1 combines HFO-1234yf (65.0 wt%), HFC-32 (30.0 wt%), and HFO-1132a (5.0 wt%) to achieve GWP of 150 while maintaining COP of 101% and refrigerating capacity of 117% relative to R410A. This composite approach allows balancing environmental performance with thermodynamic efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies the compositional parameters of refrigerant mixtures to optimize performance. By adjusting the weight percentages of HFO-1234yf, HFC-32, and HFO-1132a within specific ranges, the invention achieves multiple embodiments with different GWP levels (150, 200, 300, 400, 500) while maintaining equivalent or superior COP and refrigerating capacity compared to conventional refrigerants.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If alternative refrigerants with reduced GWP are developed, then environmental performance is improved, but COP and refrigerating capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite refrigerant systems where HFO-1234yf serves as the base component (40-80 wt%) providing low GWP, while HFC-32 (10-50 wt%) and HFO-1132a (0.1-10 wt%) are added to enhance thermodynamic properties. This composite structure ensures both environmental compliance and high refrigerating capacity, with Example 1 achieving 117% of R410A's capacity at GWP of 150.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If alternative refrigerants with reduced GWP are developed, then environmental performance is improved, but coefficient of performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes compositional parameters to balance GWP reduction with COP maintenance. By precisely controlling the weight ratios of HFO-1234yf, HFC-32, and HFO-1132a, the invention achieves multiple embodiments where COP ranges from 97% to 105% of R410A while GWP varies from 150 to 500, allowing selection based on specific application requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a composition comprising a refrigerant (mixed refrigerant), the composition having three types of performance; i.e., a coefficient of performance (COP) and a refrigerating capacity (Cap) that are equivalent to or higher than those of R404A and/or R410A, and a sufficiently low GWP. The present disclosure specifically provides a composition comprising a refrigerant, the refrigerant comprising difluoromethane (HFC-32), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf), and at least one of 1,1-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132a) and tetrafluoroethylene (FO-1114).