Ternary Refrigerant Composition for Low-GWP Compression Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat transfer fluids used in refrigeration and air conditioning, such as R-404A and R-407C, have high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential, and existing alternatives like carbon dioxide face challenges with high pressure requirements, limiting their effectiveness and safety.
Innovation Solution
Ternary compositions of 2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 1,1-difluoroethane, and difluoromethane are used as heat transfer fluids in compression-type refrigeration systems, particularly in countercurrent or crossed-current modes, offering zero ozone depletion potential and lower GWP, with improved performance metrics like higher critical temperature, lower condenser pressures, and reduced compression ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If HFC-134a is used as refrigerant to replace CFC-12, then ozone depletion potential is reduced, but global warming potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using HFO-1234yf instead of HFC-134a, and specifically uses non-integer weight ratios (27.6-42.4 wt% HFO-1234yf, 57.4-72.4 wt% HFC-134a) to achieve both low GWP and adequate performance, resolving the contradiction between reducing ozone depletion and minimizing global warming
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite refrigerant mixture combining HFO-1234yf and HFC-134a in specific proportions, where the composite achieves lower GWP than pure HFC-134a while maintaining acceptable thermodynamic performance, thus resolving the contradiction between environmental protection and system effectiveness
2Object-generated harmful factors
If carbon dioxide is used as refrigerant to replace HFC-134a, then global warming potential is reduced, but operating pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the refrigerant parameters by using HFO-1234yf/HFC-134a mixtures with GWP between 124-155 and operating pressures significantly lower than CO2, achieving both low GWP and moderate pressure operation, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing global warming and maintaining acceptable pressure levels
3Productivity
If existing heat transfer fluids R-404A or R-407C are used, then refrigeration performance is maintained, but global warming potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compositional parameters by using HFO-1234yf/HFC-134a mixtures with GWP between 124-155, significantly lower than R-404A (GWP=3900) and R-407C (GWP=1800), while maintaining adequate refrigeration performance through optimized weight ratios, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining productivity and reducing harmful factors
4Object-generated harmful factors
If ternary compositions of HFO-1234yf and HFC-134a are used, then global warming potential is reduced, but phase separation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the compositional parameters by using binary mixtures of HFO-1234yf and HFC-134a rather than ternary compositions, which eliminates phase separation issues while maintaining low GWP (124-155) and adequate performance, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing harmful factors and maintaining composition stability
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 higher coefficients of performance (COP) and volumetric capacity, allowing for smaller pipeline diameters and reduced head loss, while being compatible with existing compressor technologies and suitable for a broader temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
A heat exchanger is a device enabling thermal energy to be transferred from one fluid to another, without mixing them. The thermal flux passes through the exchange surface that separates the fluids.
Implementation Method 2
These heat-transfer fluids are in the gaseous state (the air in air conditioning and direct-expansion refrigeration), liquid (the water in domestic heat pumps, glycol solution) or two-phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A heat transfer method using ternary compositions containing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 1,1-difluoroethane and difluoromethane, said compositions being especially interesting as a heat transfer fluid in compression refrigeration systems comprising exchangers operation in counterflow mode or in split flow mode with counterflow tendency. The use of a ternary composition of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 1,1-difluoroethane and difluoromethane as heat transfer fluid in compression-type refrigeration systems with exchangers operating in countercurrent mode or in crossed-current mode with countercurrent tendency.