Ternary Heat-Transfer Fluid for Low-GWP Countercurrent Exchangers
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for heat-transfer fluids with a low global warming potential (GWP) that maintain or improve energy performance levels, particularly in applications using countercurrent heat exchangers, as existing fluids like HFC-134a and other chlorinated compounds have significant environmental impact and performance limitations.
Innovation Solution
A ternary composition comprising difluoromethane, 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, and hydrocarbon-derived compounds such as 1,1-difluoroethane or 2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, which are used in vapor compression systems, particularly in countercurrent heat exchangers, to enhance energy performance and reduce environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If current heat-transfer fluids (HFC-134a, R404a, R407c, R410a) are used, then refrigeration and heating functions are achieved, but global warming potential is high and energy performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing high-GWP HFCs with a specific ternary mixture of HFO-1234yf, HFC-32, and HFC-134a in optimized proportions. This composition change achieves lower GWP (below 150) while the optimized parameter ranges (specific percentage combinations) deliver improved energy performance with coefficients of performance exceeding reference fluids in countercurrent heat exchangers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite heat-transfer fluid consisting of three different compounds (HFO-1234yf, HFC-32, and HFC-134a) combined in specific ratios. This composite approach leverages the low-GWP property of HFO-1234yf while incorporating the proven performance of HFC-32 and HFC-134a, achieving both environmental and energetic benefits that single compounds or simpler mixtures cannot provide.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heat-transfer fluids with lower GWP are developed, then environmental impact is reduced, but energy performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific composition parameters (percentage ranges of each component) to simultaneously achieve low GWP and high energy performance. The precise parameter control in the ternary mixture ensures that the coefficient of performance exceeds reference refrigerants while maintaining GWP below 150, particularly in countercurrent heat exchanger applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by selecting specific compounds with particular properties for specific roles in the mixture. HFO-1234yf provides the low-GWP foundation, while HFC-32 and HFC-134a contribute specific thermodynamic properties that enhance energy performance in heat exchange operations, creating a synergistic composition where each component serves its optimal function.
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 proposed ternary mixtures exhibit higher coefficients of performance and reduced GWP compared to reference refrigerants like R404a, R407c, and HFC-134a, while being less flammable and maintaining or improving energy performance in various temperature applications.
Implementation Method 1
the vaporization of the fluid at low pressure (in which the fluid absorbs heat)
Implementation Method 2
the condensation of the vaporized fluid to liquid at high pressure (in which the fluid releases heat)
Implementation Method 3
heat exchangers may be of cocurrent type or of countercurrent type
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a ternary composition comprising difluoromethane, 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and a hydrocarbon-derived compound containing at least two fluorine atoms and having a boiling point of between −30 and −20° C., which is selected from 1,1-difluoroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene. This composition is particularly suitable for use as a heat-transfer fluid in the presence of countercurrent heat exchangers.