Refrigerant mixtures comprising difluoromethane, pentafluoroethane, and tetrafluoropropene and uses thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
The refrigeration industry faces challenges in finding replacements for high global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants like R-404A and R-507A that are non-flammable, have low ozone depletion potential, and maintain good performance characteristics, as existing alternatives such as R-407A and R-407F have higher compressor discharge temperatures leading to equipment breakdowns.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant composition comprising 11-22 weight percent difluoromethane, 46-59 weight percent pentafluoroethane, and 21-35 weight percent 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, which is non-flammable and has a global warming potential less than 2150, offering lower compressor discharge temperatures and improved environmental sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing alternative refrigerants (R-407A, R-407F) are used to replace high GWP HFC refrigerants, then global warming potential is reduced, but compressor discharge temperature increases leading to equipment breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by formulating a specific refrigerant mixture with precise weight percentages: 11-22% difluoromethane, 46-59% pentafluoroethane, and 21-35% 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene. This compositional parameter optimization achieves a balance between lowering GWP (below 2150) and maintaining acceptable compressor discharge temperatures, resolving the contradiction between environmental performance and equipment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by creating a multi-component refrigerant blend combining difluoromethane, pentafluoroethane, and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of each component: difluoromethane provides cooling efficiency, pentafluoroethane contributes to stability and low GWP, and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene helps moderate discharge temperatures, achieving overall system reliability while meeting environmental requirements
2Reliability
If HFC refrigerants (R-404A, R-507A) are used, then good performance characteristics are maintained, but global warming potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from single-component HFC refrigerants to a multi-component mixture with optimized ratios. The specific formulation (11-22% difluoromethane, 46-59% pentafluoroethane, 21-35% 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) achieves GWP below 2150 while maintaining performance characteristics comparable to R-404A and R-507A, including appropriate pressure-temperature relationships and heat transfer properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between environmental requirements and performance needs. This component helps moderate the extreme temperature effects while maintaining the refrigerant's ability to transfer heat effectively, allowing the system to achieve both low GWP and good performance characteristics
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-flammable refrigerants with low GWP are sought, then environmental sustainability is improved, but compressor discharge temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the molecular composition and weight ratios of the refrigerant blend. The specific formulation with 11-22% difluoromethane, 46-59% pentafluoroethane, and 21-35% 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene achieves non-flammability and GWP below 2150 while controlling discharge temperatures through the thermal properties of the mixed components, balancing environmental sustainability with operational temperature requirements
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 a non-flammable refrigerant with a global warming potential less than 2150, maintaining compressor discharge temperatures comparable to R-404A and R-507A, while offering improved energy efficiency and reduced risk of equipment breakdowns, making it a suitable replacement with minimal system modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant composition comprising 11-22 weight percent difluoromethane, 46-59 weight percent pentafluoroethane, and 21-35 weight percent 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant composition comprising 11-22 weight percent difluoromethane, 46-59 weight percent pentafluoroethane, and 21-35 weight percent 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the present invention refrigerant compositions are disclosed. The refrigerant compositions contain comprise 11-28 weight percent difluoromethane; 34-59 weight percent pentafluoroethane; and 21-38 weight percent 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene. The refrigerant compositions are useful in processes to produce cooling, in methods for replacing refrigerant R-404A or R-507A, and in refrigeration systems. These inventive refrigerant compositions can be used in stationary and mobile refrigeration equipment, and are particularly useful for transport refrigeration units.