Sesquiterpene Stabilizers for Low GWP Refrigerant Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and solvents, such as fluoroolefins and CF3I, are unstable at high temperatures and prone to polymerization or decomposition when stored or used under extreme conditions, necessitating a stabilizer that is soluble in both the refrigerant and lubricant to maintain performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sesquiterpenes like farnesol and farnesene into the composition of low GWP compounds, which act as radical scavengers, increasing the chemical stability of the mixture and preventing polymerization and decomposition at high temperatures, and allowing for uniform distribution within refrigeration systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If low GWP compounds (fluoroolefins, CF3I) are used as refrigerants, then environmental friendliness is improved, but chemical stability at high temperatures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A sesquiterpene stabilizer is introduced as an intermediary substance that mediates between the low GWP refrigerant compounds and the high-temperature environment. The stabilizer preferentially reacts with radicals at high temperatures, protecting the refrigerant compounds from decomposition and polymerization while allowing the refrigerant to maintain its low GWP properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the refrigerant system by adding sesquiterpene compounds. This parameter change enables the system to maintain chemical stability at high temperatures while preserving the low global warming potential of the base refrigerant compounds.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional stabilizers are used, then chemical stability is improved, but solubility in refrigerant deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sesquiterpene stabilizers are selected to be homogeneous with the refrigerant system, ensuring mutual solubility between the stabilizer and both the refrigerant and lubricant. This homogeneity allows the stabilizer to be uniformly distributed throughout the system without phase separation, maintaining ease of operation while providing chemical stability.
3Productivity
If low GWP compounds are stored under extreme conditions, then refrigeration performance is maintained, but polymerization and decomposition increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sesquiterpene stabilizer provides preliminary anti-action by being pre-positioned in the refrigerant system to counteract polymerization and decomposition reactions before they can significantly degrade the refrigerant. The stabilizer is ready to scavenge radicals and inhibit unwanted reactions during storage under extreme conditions, preserving refrigeration performance and reliability.
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 addition of farnesol and farnesene significantly enhances the chemical stability of low GWP compounds at high temperatures, maintaining refrigeration performance and reducing degradation, allowing for prolonged use and storage without significant reduction in cooling capacity.
Implementation Method 1
farnesol acts as radical scavenger in a composition comprising a combination of a stabilizer comprising farnesol and/or farnsene and a low GWP compound
Implementation Method 2
farnesol and farnsene can be added directly to the refrigerant of a refrigeration system which facilitates its uniform distribution since the refrigerant has a low viscosity compared to conventional refrigeration system lubricants
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a composition comprising (a) at least one halogenated compound selected from the group consisting of C3-C5 hydrofluoroolefin, CF3I, and combinations thereof, and (b) an effective stabilizing amount of a sesquiterpene selected from the group consisting of farnesol, farnesene, and mixtures thereof.