Ternary Refrigerant Composition for Low-GWP Counterflow Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigeration systems face challenges with high global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP) due to the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other refrigerants, and existing alternatives like carbon dioxide require high pressures, posing operational difficulties.
Innovation Solution
The use of ternary compositions containing 2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, and difluoromethane as a heat-transfer fluid in compression refrigeration systems, particularly in counterflow or cross-flow modes, offering zero ODP and lower GWP, along with non-flammability and improved critical temperature and vapor density properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are used as refrigerants, then refrigeration performance is improved, but global warming potential (GWP) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite refrigerant formulations combining HFO-1234yf with other HFCs and HFOs in specific ratios to achieve both low GWP and adequate refrigeration performance. The composite mixture leverages complementary properties of individual components to resolve the contradiction between environmental friendliness and system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of refrigerants by introducing HFO-1234yf (a fourth-generation refrigerant) into the mix, transitioning from traditional single-component HFCs to multi-component formulations with optimized molecular structures that reduce GWP while maintaining thermodynamic performance.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If carbon dioxide is used as a refrigerant, then global warming potential is reduced, but operating pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter by using HFO-1234yf-based refrigerants that operate at intermediate pressure levels between CO2 (high pressure) and traditional HFCs (moderate pressure), thereby reducing the excessive pressure requirements while maintaining low GWP characteristics.
3Productivity
If chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are used, then refrigeration efficiency is maintained, but ozone depletion potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates ozone-depleting substances (CFCs and HCFCs) from the refrigerant composition, replacing them with HFO-1234yf and other HFCs that have zero ODP, thereby removing the harmful factor while preserving refrigeration efficiency through careful formulation of the alternative mixture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite refrigerant formulations that combine multiple HFCs and HFOs in optimized ratios to replicate the thermodynamic performance of traditional CFC/HCFC systems while eliminating ozone depletion, using synergistic interactions among components to maintain efficiency without harmful substances.
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 provide enhanced performance with lower pressure drops, increased equipment efficiency, and the ability to operate at higher temperatures, while being stable and non-inflammable, thus addressing the limitations of existing refrigerants.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-transfer fluid in compression refrigeration systems... The heat flux crosses the exchange surface which separates the fluids
Implementation Method 2
These heat-transfer fluids are in the gaseous state... liquid state... or two-phase state
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the use of compositions essentially containing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, HFC-134a and HFC-32 in compression refrigeration systems comprising exchangers operation in counterflow mode.