Patent Application
20240218226
The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle that uses a refrigerant having a low global warming potential (GWP).
Hitherto, in a heat cycle system of a refrigeration device or a freezing device, R134a, which is a single refrigerant, has been frequently used as a refrigerant. In addition, R410A or R404 may be used. R410A is a two-component mixed refrigerant containing (CH2F2; HFC-32 or R32) and pentafluoroethane (C2HF5; HFC-125 or R125), and is a pseudo-azeotropic composition. R404 is a three-component mixed refrigerant containing R125, R134a, and R143a, and is a pseudo-azeotropic composition.
However, the global warming potential (GWP) of R134a is 1430, the global warming potential (GWP) of R410A is 2088, and the global warming potential (GWP) of R404A is 3920. In recent years, due to increasing concern about global warming, refrigerants having a lower GWP are more frequently being used.
For example, Japanese Literature 1 (International Publication No. 2005/105947) proposes various mixed refrigerants having a low GWP that can be used as alternatives for R134a; Japanese Literature 2 (International Publication No. 2015/141678) proposes various mixed refrigerants having a low GWP that can be used as alternatives for R410A; and Japanese Literature 3 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-184597) proposes various mixed refrigerants having a low GWP that can be used as alternatives for R404A.
So far, no studies have been made regarding what kinds of refrigerants should be used among refrigerants having a low GWP in a refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle.
A refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle according to a first aspect includes a refrigerant circuit and a refrigerant that is sealed in the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a heat dissipater, a decompressor, and a heat absorber. The refrigerant contains at least 1,2-difluoroethylene.
A refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle according to a sixteenth aspect is the refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle according to the first aspect, wherein
A refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle according to a seventeenth aspect is the refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle according to the first aspect, wherein
A refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle according to a thirty-second aspect includes a refrigerant circuit and a refrigerant that is sealed in the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a heat dissipater, a decompressor, and a heat absorber. The refrigerant contains at least HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf.
A refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle according to a thirty-eighth aspect is the refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle according to the thirty-second aspect, wherein
A refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle according to a thirty-ninth aspect is the refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle according to the thirty-second aspect, wherein a content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 31.1 to 37.9 mass % and a content rate of HFO-1234yf is 68.9 to 62.1 mass %, based on a total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf.
A refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle according to a forty-first aspect is the refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle according to the thirty-second aspect, wherein
A refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle according to a forty-third aspect is the refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle according to the thirty-second aspect, wherein
(1)
In the present specification, the term “refrigerant” includes at least compounds that are specified in ISO 817 (International Organization for Standardization), and that are given a refrigerant number (ASHRAE number) representing the type of refrigerant with “R” at the beginning; and further includes refrigerants that have properties equivalent to those of such refrigerants, even though a refrigerant number is not yet given. Refrigerants are broadly divided into fluorocarbon compounds and non-fluorocarbon compounds in terms of the structure of the compounds. Fluorocarbon compounds include chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFC). Non-fluorocarbon compounds include propane (R290), propylene (R1270), butane (R600), isobutane (R600a), carbon dioxide (R744), ammonia (R717), and the like.
In the present specification, the phrase “composition comprising a refrigerant” at least includes (1) a refrigerant itself (including a mixture of refrigerants), (2) a composition that further comprises other components and that can be mixed with at least a refrigeration oil to obtain a working fluid for a refrigerating machine, and (3) a working fluid for a refrigerating machine containing a refrigeration oil. In the present specification, of these three embodiments, the composition (2) is referred to as a “refrigerant composition” so as to distinguish it from a refrigerant itself (including a mixture of refrigerants). Further, the working fluid for a refrigerating machine (3) is referred to as a “refrigeration oil-containing working fluid” so as to distinguish it from the “refrigerant composition.”
In the present specification, when the term “alternative” is used in a context in which the first refrigerant is replaced with the second refrigerant, the first type of “alternative” means that equipment designed for operation using the first refrigerant can be operated using the second refrigerant under optimum conditions, optionally with changes of only a few parts (at least one of the following: refrigeration oil, gasket, packing, expansion valve, dryer, and other parts) and equipment adjustment. In other words, this type of alternative means that the same equipment is operated with an alternative refrigerant 2Embodiments of this type of “alternative” include “drop-in alternative,” “nearly drop-in alternative,” and “retrofit,” in the order in which the extent of changes and adjustment necessary for replacing the first refrigerant with the second refrigerant is smaller.
The term “alternative” also includes a second type of “alternative,” which means that equipment designed for operation using the second refrigerant is operated for the same use as the existing use with the first refrigerant by using the second refrigerant. This type of alternative means that the same use is achieved with an alternative refrigerant.
In the present specification, the term “refrigerating machine” refers to machines in general that draw heat from an object or space to make its temperature lower than the temperature of ambient air, and maintain a low temperature. In other words, refrigerating machines refer to conversion machines that gain energy from the outside to do work, and that perform energy conversion, in order to transfer heat from where the temperature is lower to where the temperature is higher.
Any refrigerant having “non-flammability” in the present disclosure means that the WCF composition (Worst case of formulation for flammability), as a composition exhibiting most flammability, among acceptable concentrations of the refrigerant is rated as “Class 1” in US ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2013.
Any refrigerant having “low flammability” herein means that the WCF composition is rated as “Class 2” in US ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2013.
Any refrigerant having “ASHRAE non-flammability” in the present disclosure means that the WCF composition or WCFF composition can be specified as exhibiting non-flammability according to a test based on the measurement apparatus and the measurement method according to ASTM E681-2009 [Standard Test Method for Concentration Limits of Flammability of Chemicals (Vapors and Gases)], and is classified to “Class 1 ASHRAE non-flammability (WCF non-flammability” or “Class 1 ASHRAE non-flammability (WCFF non-flammability)”. The WCFF composition (Worst case of fractionation for flammability: mixed composition causing most flammability) is specified by performing a leak test in storage, transport and use based on ANSI/ASHRAE 34-2013.
Any refrigerant having “lower flammability” herein means that the WCF composition is rated as “Class 2L” in US ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2013.
The “temperature glide” can be herein restated as the absolute value of the difference between the start temperature and the end temperature in the course of phase transition of the composition including a refrigerant of the present disclosure, in any constituent element in a heat cycle system.
The “in-car air conditioning equipment” herein means one refrigerating apparatus for use in cars such as a gasoline-fueled car, a hybrid car, an electric car and a hydrogen-fueled car. The in-car air conditioning equipment refers to a refrigerating apparatus including a refrigeration cycle that allows a liquid refrigerant to perform heat exchange in an evaporator, allows a compressor to suction a refrigerant gas evaporated, allows a refrigerant gas adiabatically compressed to be cooled and liquefied by a condenser, furthermore allows the resultant to pass through an expansion valve and to be adiabatically expanded, and then anew feeds the resultant as a liquid refrigerant to an evaporating machine.
The “turbo refrigerator” herein means one large-sized refrigerator. The turbo refrigerator refers to a refrigerating apparatus including a refrigeration cycle that allows a liquid refrigerant to perform heat exchange in an evaporator, allows a centrifugal compressor to suction a refrigerant gas evaporated, allows a refrigerant gas adiabatically compressed to be cooled and liquefied by a condenser, furthermore allows the resultant to pass through an expansion valve and to be adiabatically expanded, and then anew feeds the resultant as a liquid refrigerant to an evaporating machine. The “large-sized refrigerator” refers to a large-sized air conditioner for air conditioning in building units.
The “saturation pressure” herein means the pressure of saturated vapor.
The “discharge temperature” herein means the temperature of a mixed refrigerant at a discharge port in a compressor.
The “evaporating pressure” herein means the saturation pressure at an evaporating temperature.
The “critical temperature” herein means the temperature at a critical point, and means a boundary temperature where gas cannot turn to any liquid at a temperature more than such a boundary temperature even if compressed.
The GWP herein means the value based on the fourth report of IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).
The description “mass ratio” herein has the same meaning as the description “composition ratio”.
(1-2) Refrigerant
Although the details thereof are described later, any one of the refrigerants 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E according to the present disclosure (sometimes referred to as “the refrigerant according to the present disclosure”) can be used as a refrigerant.
(1-3) Refrigerant Composition
The refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure comprises at least the refrigerant according to the present disclosure, and can be used for the same use as the refrigerant according to the present disclosure. Moreover, the refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure can be further mixed with at least a refrigeration oil to thereby obtain a working fluid for a refrigerating machine.
The refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure further comprises at least one other component in addition to the refrigerant according to the present disclosure. The refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure may comprise at least one of the following other components, if necessary. As described above, when the refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure is used as a working fluid in a refrigerating machine, it is generally used as a mixture with at least a refrigeration oil. Therefore, it is preferable that the refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure does not substantially comprise a refrigeration oil. Specifically, in the refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure, the content of the refrigeration oil based on the entire refrigerant composition is preferably 0 to 1 mass %, and more preferably 0 to 0.1 mass %.
(1-3-1) Water
The refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure may contain a small amount of water. The water content of the refrigerant composition is preferably 0.1 mass % or less based on the entire refrigerant. 1A small amount of water contained in the refrigerant composition stabilizes double bonds in the molecules of unsaturated fluorocarbon compounds that can be present in the refrigerant, and makes it less likely that the unsaturated fluorocarbon compounds will be oxidized, thus increasing the stability of the refrigerant composition.
(1-3-2) Tracer
A tracer is added to the refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure at a detectable concentration such that when the refrigerant composition has been diluted, contaminated, or undergone other changes, the tracer can trace the changes.
The refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure may comprise a single tracer, or two or more tracers.
The tracer is not limited, and can be suitably selected from commonly used tracers.
Examples of tracers include hydrofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorocarbons, fluorocarbons, deuterated hydrocarbons, deuterated hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, fluoroethers, brominated compounds, iodinated compounds, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and nitrous oxide (N2O). The tracer is particularly preferably a hydrofluorocarbon, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon, a chlorofluorocarbon, a hydrochlorocarbon, a fluorocarbon, or a fluoroether.
The following compounds are preferable as the tracer.
FC-14 (tetrafluoromethane, CF4)
The refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure may contain one or more tracers at a total concentration of about 10 parts per million by weight (ppm) to about 1000 ppm, based on the entire refrigerant composition. The refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure may preferably contain one or more tracers at a total concentration of about 30 ppm to about 500 ppm, and more preferably about 50 ppm to about 300 ppm, based on the entire refrigerant composition.
(1-3-3) Ultraviolet Fluorescent Dye
The refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure may comprise a single ultraviolet fluorescent dye, or two or more ultraviolet fluorescent dyes.
The ultraviolet fluorescent dye is not limited, and can be suitably selected from commonly used ultraviolet fluorescent dyes.
Examples of ultraviolet fluorescent dyes include naphthalimide, coumarin, anthracene, phenanthrene, xanthene, thioxanthene, naphthoxanthene, fluorescein, and derivatives thereof. The ultraviolet fluorescent dye is particularly preferably either naphthalimide or coumarin, or both.
(1-3-4) Stabilizer
The refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure may comprise a single stabilizer, or two or more stabilizers.
The stabilizer is not limited, and can be suitably selected from commonly used stabilizers.
Examples of stabilizers include nitro compounds, ethers, and amines.
Examples of nitro compounds include aliphatic nitro compounds, such as nitromethane and nitroethane; and aromatic nitro compounds, such as nitro benzene and nitro styrene.
Examples of ethers include 1,4-dioxane.
Examples of amines include 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylamine and diphenylamine.
Examples of stabilizers also include butylhydroxyxylene and benzotriazole.
The content of the stabilizer is not limited. Generally, the content of the stabilizer is preferably 0.01 to 5 mass %, and more preferably 0.05 to 2 mass %, based on the entire refrigerant.
(1-3-5) Polymerization Inhibitor
The refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure may comprise a single polymerization inhibitor, or two or more polymerization inhibitors.
The polymerization inhibitor is not limited, and can be suitably selected from commonly used polymerization inhibitors.
Examples of polymerization inhibitors include 4-methoxy-1-naphthol, hydroquinone, hydroquinone methyl ether, dimethyl-t-butylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, and benzotriazole.
The content of the polymerization inhibitor is not limited. Generally, the content of the polymerization inhibitor is preferably 0.01 to 5 mass %, and more preferably 0.05 to 2 mass % based on the entire refrigerant.
(1-4) Refrigeration Oil-Containing Working Fluid
The refrigeration oil-containing working fluid according to the present disclosure comprises at least the refrigerant or refrigerant composition according to the present disclosure and a refrigeration oil, for use as a working fluid in a refrigerating machine. Specifically, the refrigeration oil-containing working fluid according to the present disclosure is obtained by mixing a refrigeration oil used in a compressor of a refrigerating machine with the refrigerant or the refrigerant composition. The refrigeration oil-containing working fluid generally comprises 10 to 50 mass % of refrigeration oil.
(1-4-1) Refrigerating Oil
The composition according to the present disclosure may comprise a single refrigeration oil, or two or more refrigeration oils.
The refrigeration oil is not limited, and can be suitably selected from commonly used refrigeration oils. In this case, refrigeration oils that are superior in the action of increasing the miscibility with the mixture and the stability of the mixture, for example, are suitably selected as necessary.
The base oil of the refrigeration oil is preferably, for example, at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene glycols (PAG), polyol esters (POE), and polyvinyl ethers (PVE).
The refrigeration oil may further contain additives in addition to the base oil. The additive may be at least one member selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, extreme-pressure agents, acid scavengers, oxygen scavengers, copper deactivators, rust inhibitors, oil agents, and antifoaming agents.
A refrigeration oil with a kinematic viscosity of 5 to 400 cSt at 40° C. is preferable from the standpoint of lubrication.
The refrigeration oil-containing working fluid according to the present disclosure may further optionally contain at least one additive. Examples of additives include compatibilizing agents described below.
(1-4-2) Compatibilizer
The refrigeration oil-containing working fluid according to the present disclosure may comprise a single compatibilizing agent, or two or more compatibilizing agents.
The compatibilizing agent is not limited, and can be suitably selected from commonly used compatibilizing agents.
Examples of compatibilizing agents include polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers, amides, nitriles, ketones, chlorocarbons, esters, lactones, aryl ethers, fluoroethers, and 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes. The compatibilizing agent is particularly preferably a polyoxyalkylene glycol ether.
(1-5) Refrigerant 1E Refrigerant 1E used in the present disclosure are described below in detail.
Refrigerant 1E according to the present disclosure is a mixed refrigerant containing CO2 and R32, HFO-1132(E), and R1234yf.
Refrigerant 1E according to the present disclosure has various properties that are desirable as an R410A-alternative refrigerant, i.e., a refrigerating capacity equivalent to that of R410A, a sufficiently low GWP, and lower flammability. Refrigerant 1E according to the present disclosure is a refrigerant wherein when the mass % of CO2, R32, HFO-1132(E), and R1234yf based on their sum in the refrigerant is respectively represented by w, x, y, and z,
Refrigerant 1E according to the present disclosure has a refrigerating capacity ratio of 800 or more relative to R410A, a GWP of 350 or less, and a lower WCF flammability.
Refrigerant 1E according to the present disclosure is preferably a refrigerant wherein when the mass % of CO2, R32, HFO-1132(E), and R1234yf based on their sum in the refrigerant is respectively represented by w, x, y, and z,
Refrigerant 1E according to the present disclosure is preferably a refrigerant wherein when the mass % of CO2, R32, HFO-1132(E), and R1234yf based on their sum in the refrigerant is respectively represented by w, x, y, and z,
Refrigerant 1E according to the present disclosure is preferably a refrigerant wherein when the mass % of CO2, R32, HFO-1132(E), and R1234yf based on their sum in the refrigerant is respectively represented by w, x, y, and z,
When the requirements above are satisfied, refrigerant 1E according to the present disclosure has a refrigerating capacity ratio of 80% or more relative to R410A, a GWP of 350 or less, and a lower ASHRAE flammability.
Refrigerant 1E according to the present disclosure is preferably a refrigerant wherein when the mass % of CO2, R32, HFO-1132(E), and R1234yf based on their sum in the refrigerant is respectively represented by w, x, y, and z,
When the requirements above are satisfied, refrigerant 1E according to the present disclosure has a refrigerating capacity ratio of 80% or more relative to R410A, a GWP of 250 or less, and a lower ASHRAE flammability.
Refrigerant 1E according to the present disclosure is preferably a refrigerant wherein when the mass % of CO2, R32, HFO-1132(E), and R1234yf based on their sum in the refrigerant is respectively represented by w, x, y, and z,
When the requirements above are satisfied, refrigerant 1E according to the present disclosure has a refrigerating capacity ratio of 80% or more relative to R410A, a GWP of 125 or less, and a lower ASHRAE flammability.
Refrigerant 1E may further comprise an additional refrigerant in addition to CO2, R32, HFO-1132(E), and R1234yf, as long as the above characteristics and effects of the refrigerant are not impaired. From this viewpoint, refrigerant 1E according to the present disclosure preferably comprises R32, HIFO-1132(E), and R1234yf in a total amount of 99.5 mass % or more, more preferably 99.75 mass % or more, and even more preferably 99.9 mass % or more, of the entire refrigerant.
The additional refrigerant is not limited, and can be selected from a wide range of refrigerants. The mixed refrigerant may comprise a single additional refrigerant, or two or more additional refrigerants.
Refrigerant 1E according to the present disclosure can be preferably used as a working fluid in a refrigerating machine.
The composition according to the present disclosure is suitable for use as an alternative refrigerant for R410A.
The present disclosure is described in more detail below with reference to Examples. However, refrigerant 1E according to the present disclosure is not limited to the Examples.
The burning velocity of each of the mixed refrigerants of C02, R32, HFO-1132(E), and R1234yf was measured in accordance with the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2013. While changing the concentration of C02, a formulation that shows a burning velocity of 10 cm/s was found. Tables 1 to 3 show the formulations found.
A burning velocity test was performed using the apparatus shown in
The WCFF concentration was obtained by using the WCF concentration as the initial concentration and performing leak simulation using NIST Standard Reference Database REFLEAK Version 4.0.
These results indicate that when the mass % of CO2, R32, HFO-1132(E), and R1234yf based on their sum is respectively represented by w, x, y, and z, the mixed refrigerant has a lower WCF flammability when coordinates (x,y,z) in the ternary composition diagram shown in
The results further indicate that the refrigerant has a lower ASHRAE flammability when coordinates (x,y,z) in the ternary composition diagram shown in
Mixed refrigerants were prepared by mixing R32, HFO-1132(E), and R1234yf in amounts in terms of mass % shown in Tables 4 to 14, based on their sum. The coefficient of performance (COP) ratio and the refrigerating capacity ratio of the mixed refrigerants shown in Tables 4 to 11 relative to those of R410 were determined.
The GWP of compositions comprising a mixture of R410A (R32=50%/R125=50%) and R1234yf was evaluated based on the value stated in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), fourth report. The GWP of IFO-1132(E), which is not stated in the report, was assumed to be 1 from IFO-1132a (GWP=1 or less) and HFO-1123 (GWP=0.3, described in PTL 1). The refrigerating capacity of R410A and that of compositions comprising a mixture of HFO-1132(E), HIFO-1123, and R1234yf were determined by performing theoretical refrigeration cycle calculations for mixed refrigerants using the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Database (Refprop 9.0) under the following conditions.
Tables 4 to 11 show these values together with the GWP of each mixed refrigerant. Tables 4 to 11 show cases at a CO2 concentration of 0 mass %, 0.6 mass %, 1.2 mass %, 1.3 mass %, 2.5 mass %, 4 mass %, 5.5 mass %, and 7 mass %, respectively.
These results indicate that when the mass % of C02, R32, HFO-1132(E), and R1234yf based on their sum is respectively represented by w, x, y, and z, the mixed refrigerant has a GWP of 350 when coordinates (x,y,z) are on straight line A″B″ in the ternary composition diagrams shown in
The straight line that connects point D and point C is found to be roughly located slightly to the left of the curve that connect points where the mixed refrigerant has a refrigerating capacity ratio of 80% relative to R410A. Accordingly, the results show that when coordinates (x, y, z) are located on the left side of the straight line that connects point D and point C, the mixed refrigerant has a refrigerating capacity ratio of 80% or more relative to R410A.
The coordinates of point A and point B, point A‘ and point B’, and point A″ and point B″ were determined by obtaining approximate formulas based on the points shown in the above table. Specifically, the calculation was performed as shown in Table 21 (point A and point B), Table 22 (point A‘ and point B’), and Table 23 (point A″ and point B″).
The coordinates of points C to G were determined by obtaining approximate formulas based on the points shown in the above table. Specifically, the calculation was performed as shown in Tables 24 and 25.
The coordinates of points on curve U, curve JK, and curve KL were determined by obtaining approximate formulas based on the points shown in the above table. Specifically, the calculation was performed as shown in Table 26.
The coordinates of points on curve MW and curve WM were determined by obtaining approximate formulas based on the points shown in the above table. Specifically, calculation was performed as shown in Table 27 (when 0 mass %<CO2 concentration≤1.2 mass %), Table 28 (when 1.2 mass %<CO2 concentration≤4.0 mass %), and Table 29 (4.0 mass %<CO2 concentration≤7.0 mass %).
The coordinates of points on curve NO and curve OP were determined by obtaining approximate formulas based on the points shown in the above table. Specifically, calculation was performed as shown in Table 30 (when 0 mass %<CO2 concentration≤1.2 mass %), Table 31 (when 1.2 mass %<CO2 concentration≤4.0 mass %), and Table 32 (4.0 mass %<CO2 concentration≤7.0 mass %).
Hereinafter, the refrigerant 2C that are each the refrigerant for use in the present disclosure will be described in detail.
The refrigerant 2C includes, in one aspect, HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, and the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 35.0 to 65.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 65.0 to 35.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. The refrigerant is sometimes referred to as “refrigerant 2C1”.
(1-6-1) Refrigerant 2C1
The refrigerant 2C1, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP equivalent to or more than that of R404A, and (3) a refrigerating capacity equivalent to or more than that of R404A.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 35.0 mass % or more based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C1, thereby allowing the refrigerating capacity equivalent to or more than that of R404A to be obtained.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 65.0 mass % or less based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C1, thereby enabling the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., in the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerant 2C1, to be kept in a suitable range (in particular, 2.10 Mpa or less).
The refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A, of the refrigerant 2C1, may be 95% or more, and is preferably 98% or more, more preferably 100% or more, further preferably 101% or more, particularly preferably 102% or more.
The refrigerant 2C1 has a GWP of 100 or less, and thus can remarkably suppress the environmental load from the viewpoint of global warming as compared with other general-purpose refrigerants.
The refrigerant 2C1 is preferably high in ratio of the driving force consumed in the refrigeration cycle and the refrigerating capacity (coefficient of performance (COP)), relative to that of R404A, from the viewpoint of energy consumption efficiency, and specifically, the COP relative to that of R404A is preferably 98% or more, more preferably 100% or more, particularly preferably 102% or more.
Preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 40.5 to 59.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 59.5 to 41.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C1. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 101% or more, and a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 99% or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.75 MPa or more and 2.00 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
More preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 41.3 to 59.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 58.7 to 41.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C1. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 101% or more, and a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 99.5% or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.76 MPa or more and 2.00 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
Further preferably, the content rate of IFO-1132(E) is 41.3 to 55.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 58.7 to 45.0 mass % based on the total mass of IFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C1. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 101% or more, and a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 99.5% or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.76 MPa or more and 1.95 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
Particularly preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 41.3 to 53.5 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 58.7 to 46.5 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HIFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C1. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102% or more and a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 99.5% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.76 MPa or more and 1.94 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
Extremely preferably, the content rate of IFO-1132(E) is 41.3 to 51.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 58.7 to 49.0 mass % based on the total mass of IFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C1. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102% or more and a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 990 or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.76 MPa or more and 1.90 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
Most preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 41.3 to 49.2 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 58.7 to 50.8 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C1. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102% or more and a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 99.5% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.76 MPa or more and 1.88 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
The refrigerant 2C1 usually has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 2.10 MPa or less, preferably 2.00 MPa or less, more preferably 1.95 MPa or less, further preferably 1.90 MPa or less, particularly preferably 1.88 MPa or less. The refrigerant 2C1, which has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C. within such a range, thus can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
The refrigerant 2C1 usually has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.70 MPa or more, preferably 1.73 MPa or more, more preferably 1.74 MPa or more, further preferably 1.75 MPa or more, particularly preferably 1.76 MPa or more. The refrigerant 2C1, which has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C. within such a range, thus can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C1 is used for operating the refrigeration cycle, in the present disclosure, the discharge temperature is preferably 150° C. or less, more preferably 140° C. or less, further preferably 130° C. or less, particularly preferably 120° C. or less from the viewpoint that the life of any member of a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A is extended.
The refrigerant 2C1 is used for operating a refrigeration cycle at an evaporating temperature of −75 to −5° C., and thus, an advantage is that the refrigerating capacity equivalent to or more than that of R404A is obtained.
In a case where the evaporating temperature is more than −5° C. in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C1 of the present disclosure is used, the compression ratio is less than 2.5 to cause the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle to be deteriorated. In a case where the evaporating temperature is less than −75° C. in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C1 of the present disclosure is used, the evaporating pressure is less than 0.02 MPa to cause suction of the refrigerant into a compressor to be difficult. The compression ratio can be determined by the following expression.
Compression ratio=Condensation pressure (Mpa)/Evaporating pressure (Mpa)
The evaporating temperature in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C1 of the present disclosure is used is preferably −7.5° C. or less, more preferably −10° C. or less, further preferably −35° C. or less.
The evaporating temperature in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C1 of the present disclosure is used is preferably −65° C. or more, more preferably −60° C. or more, further preferably −55° C. or more, particularly preferably −50° C. or more.
The evaporating temperature in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C1 of the present disclosure is used is preferably −65° C. or more and −5° C. or less, more preferably −60° C. or more and −5° C. or less, further preferably −55° C. or more and −7.5° C. or less, particularly preferably −50° C. or more and −10° C. or less.
The evaporating pressure in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C1 of the present disclosure is used is preferably 0.02 MPa or more, more preferably 0.03 MPa or more, further preferably 0.04 MPa or more, particularly preferably 0.05 MPa or more, from the viewpoint that suction of the refrigerant into a compressor is enhanced.
The compression ratio in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C1 of the present disclosure is used is preferably 2.5 or more, more preferably 3.0 or more, further preferably 3.5 or more, particularly preferably 4.0 or more, from the viewpoint that the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is enhanced. The compression ratio in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C1 of the present disclosure is used is preferably 200 or less, more preferably 150 or less, further preferably 100 or less, particularly preferably 50 or less, from the viewpoint that the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is enhanced.
The refrigerant 2C1 may usually include 99.5 mass % or more of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in terms of the sum of the concentrations of these components. In the present disclosure, the total amount of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the entire refrigerant 2C1 is preferably 99.7 mass % or more, more preferably 99.8 mass % or more, further preferably 99.9 mass % or more.
The refrigerant 2C1 can further include other refrigerant, in addition to HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, as long as the above characteristics are not impaired. In such a case, the content rate of such other refrigerant in the entire refrigerant 2C1 is preferably 0.5 mass % or less, more preferably 0.3 mass % or less, further preferably 0.2 mass % or less, particularly preferably 0.1 mass % or less. Such other refrigerant is not limited, and can be selected from a wide range of known refrigerants widely used in the art. Such other refrigerant may be included singly or in combinations of two or more kinds thereof in the refrigerant 2C1.
The refrigerant 2C1 particularly preferably consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In other words, the refrigerant 2C1 particularly preferably includes HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf at a total concentration of 100 mass % in the entire refrigerant 2C1.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C1 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is usually 35.0 to 65.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is usually 65.0 to 35.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. The refrigerant 2C1, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP equivalent to or more than that of R404A, and (3) a refrigerating capacity equivalent to or more than that of R404A.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C1 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 40.5 to 59.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 59.5 to 41.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 101% or more, and a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 99% or more.
Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.75 MPa or more and 2.00 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C1 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, more preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 41.3 to 59.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 58.7 to 41.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf In such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 101% or more, and a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 99.5% or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.76 Pa or more and 2.00 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C1 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, further preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 41.3 to 55.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 58.7 to 45.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 101% or more, and a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 99.5% or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.76 MPa or more and 1.95 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C1 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, particularly preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 41.3 to 53.5 mass % and the content rate of HIFO-1234yf is 58.7 to 46.5 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102% or more and a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 99.5% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.76 MPa or more and 1.94 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C1 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, extremely preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 41.3 to 51.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 58.7 to 49.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102% or more and a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 99% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.76 Pa or more and 1.90 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C1 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, most preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 41.3 to 49.2 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 58.7 to 50.8 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102% or more and a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 99.5% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C1 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.76 MPa or more and 1.88 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
(1-6-2) Refrigerant 2C2
Refrigerant 2C2 The refrigerant included in the composition of the present disclosure includes, in one aspect, HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, and the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 40.5 to 49.2 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 59.5 to 50.8 mass % based on the total mass of HIFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. The refrigerant is sometimes referred to as “refrigerant 2C2”.
The refrigerant 2C2, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP equivalent to or more than that of R404A, (3) a refrigerating capacity equivalent to or more than that of R404A, and (4) lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.75 MPa or more and 1.88 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 40.5 mass % or more based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C2, thereby allowing the refrigerating capacity equivalent to or more than that of R404A to be obtained.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 49.2 mass % or less based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C2, thereby enabling the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., in the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerant 2C2, to be kept in a suitable range (in particular, 2.10 Mpa or less).
The refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A, of the refrigerant 2C2, may be 990 or more, and is preferably 100% or more, more preferably 101% or more, further preferably 102% or more, particularly preferably 103% or more.
The refrigerant 2C2 has a GWP of 100 or less, and thus can remarkably suppress the environmental load from the viewpoint of global warming as compared with other general-purpose refrigerants.
The refrigerant 2C2 is preferably high in ratio of the driving force consumed in the refrigeration cycle and the refrigerating capacity (coefficient of performance (COP)), relative to that of R404A, from the viewpoint of energy consumption efficiency, and specifically, the COP relative to that of R404A is preferably 98% or more, more preferably 100% or more, further preferably 101% or more, particularly preferably 102% or more.
Preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 41.3 to 49.2 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 58.7 to 50.8 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C2. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 99.5% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.76 MPa or more and 1.88 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
More preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 43.0 to 49.2 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 57.0 to 50.8 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C2. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 101% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.78 MPa or more and 1.88 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
Further preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 44.0 to 49.2 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 56.0 to 50.8 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C2. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 101% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.80 MPa or more and 1.88 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
Particularly preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 45.0 to 49.2 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 55.0 to 50.8 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C2. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 102% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.81 MPa or more and 1.88 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
Extremely preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 45.0 to 48.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 55.0 to 52.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C2. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102.5% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 102.5% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.81 MPa or more and 1.87 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
Most preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 45.0 to 47.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 55.0 to 53.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C2. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102.5% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 102.5% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.81 MPa or more and 1.85 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
The refrigerant 2C2 usually has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 2.10 MPa or less, preferably 2.00 MPa or less, more preferably 1.95 MPa or less, further preferably 1.90 MPa or less, particularly preferably 1.88 MPa or less. The refrigerant 2C2, which has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C. within such a range, thus can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
The refrigerant 2C2 usually has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.70 MPa or more, preferably 1.73 MPa or more, more preferably 1.74 MPa or more, further preferably 1.75 MPa or more, particularly preferably 1.76 MPa or more. The refrigerant 2C2, which has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C. within such a range, thus can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C2 is used for operating the refrigeration cycle, in the present disclosure, the discharge temperature is preferably 150° C. or less, more preferably 140° C. or less, further preferably 130° C. or less, particularly preferably 120° C. or less from the viewpoint that the life of any member of a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A is extended.
The refrigerant 2C2 is preferably used for operating a refrigeration cycle at an evaporating temperature of −75 to 15° C. in the present disclosure, from the viewpoint that the refrigerating capacity equivalent to or more than that of R404A is obtained.
The evaporating temperature in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C2 of the present disclosure is used is preferably 15° C. or less, more preferably 5° C. or less, further preferably 0° C. or less, particularly preferably −5° C. or less.
The evaporating temperature in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C2 of the present disclosure is used is preferably −65° C. or more, more preferably −60° C. or more, further preferably −55° C. or more, particularly preferably −50° C. or more.
The evaporating temperature in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C2 of the present disclosure is used is preferably −65° C. or more and 15° C. or less, more preferably −60° C. or more and 5° C. or less, further preferably −55° C. or more and 0° C. or less, particularly preferably −50° C. or more and −5° C. or less.
The evaporating pressure in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C2 of the present disclosure is used is preferably 0.02 MPa or more, more preferably 0.03 MPa or more, further preferably 0.04 MPa or more, particularly preferably 0.05 MPa or more, from the viewpoint that suction of the refrigerant into a compressor is enhanced.
The compression ratio in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C2 of the present disclosure is used is preferably 2.5 or more, more preferably 3.0 or more, further preferably 3.5 or more, particularly preferably 4.0 or more, from the viewpoint that the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is enhanced.
The refrigerant 2C2 may usually include 99.5 mass % or more of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in terms of the sum of the concentrations of these components. In the present disclosure, the total amount of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the entire refrigerant 2C2 is preferably 99.7 mass % or more, more preferably 99.8 mass % or more, further preferably 99.9 mass % or more.
The refrigerant 2C2 can further include other refrigerant, in addition to HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, as long as the above characteristics are not impaired. In such a case, the content rate of such other refrigerant in the entire refrigerant 2C2 is preferably 0.5 mass % or less, more preferably 0.3 mass % or less, further preferably 0.2 mass % or less, particularly preferably 0.1 mass % or less. Such other refrigerant is not limited, and can be selected from a wide range of known refrigerants widely used in the art. Such other refrigerant may be included singly or in combinations of two or more kinds thereof in the refrigerant 2C2.
The refrigerant 2C2 particularly preferably consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In other words, the refrigerant 2C2 particularly preferably includes HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf at a total concentration of 100 mass % in the entire refrigerant 2C2.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C2 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is usually 40.5 to 49.2 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is usually 59.5 to 50.8 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. The refrigerant 2C2, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP equivalent to or more than that of R404A, (3) a refrigerating capacity equivalent to or more than that of R404A, and (4) lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.75 MPa or more and 1.88 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C2 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 41.3 to 49.2 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 58.7 to 50.8 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 99.5% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard.
Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.76 MPa or more and 1.88 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C2 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, more preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 43.0 to 49.2 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 57.0 to 50.8 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 101% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.78 MPa or more and 1.88 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C2 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, further preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 44.0 to 49.2 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 56.0 to 50.8 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 101% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.80 MPa or more and 1.88 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C2 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, particularly preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 45.0 to 49.2 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 55.0 to 50.8 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf In such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 102% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.81 MPa or more and 1.88 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C2 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, extremely preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 45.0 to 48.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 55.0 to 52.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R404A of 102.5% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R404A of 102.5% or more, and lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C2 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., of 1.81 MPa or more and 1.87 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R404A without any significant change in design.
(1-6-3) Refrigerant 2C3
The refrigerant included in the composition of the present disclosure includes, in one aspect, HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, and the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 31.1 to 39.8 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 68.9 to 60.2 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. The refrigerant is sometimes referred to as “refrigerant 2C3”.
The refrigerant 2C3, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP comparable with that of R134a, (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a of 1500% or more, and (4) a discharge temperature of 90° C. or less.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 31.1 mass % or more based on the total amount of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C3, thereby allowing a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a of 150% or more to be obtained.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 39.8 mass % or less based on the total amount of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C3, thereby enabling the discharge temperature in the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerant 2C3 to be kept at 90° C. or less, and enabling the life of any member of a refrigerating apparatus for R134a to be kept long.
The refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a, of the refrigerant 2C3, may be 150% or more, and is preferably 151% or more, more preferably 152% or more, further preferably 153% or more, particularly preferably 154% or more.
The refrigerant 2C3 preferably has a discharge temperature in the refrigeration cycle of 90.0° C. or less, more preferably 89.7° C. or less, further preferably 89.4° C. or less, particularly preferably 89.0° C. or less.
The refrigerant 2C3 has a GWP of 100 or less, and thus can remarkably suppress the environmental load from the viewpoint of global warming as compared with other general-purpose refrigerants.
The refrigerant 2C3 is preferably high in ratio of the driving force consumed in the refrigeration cycle and the refrigerating capacity (coefficient of performance (COP)), relative to that of R134a, from the viewpoint of energy consumption efficiency, and specifically, the COP relative to that of R134a is preferably 90% or more, more preferably 91% or more, further preferably 91.5% or more, particularly preferably 92% or more.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is usually 31.1 to 39.8 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is usually 68.9 to 60.2 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C3.
The refrigerant 2C3, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP comparable with that of R134a, (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a of 1500% or more, and (4) a discharge temperature of 90.0° C. or less.
Preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 31.1 to 37.9 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 68.9 to 62.1 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C3. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C3, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP relative to that of R134a of 92% or more, (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a of 150% or more, (4) a discharge temperature of 90.0° C. or less, and (5) a critical temperature of 81° C. or more.
More preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 32.0 to 37.9 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 68.0 to 62.1 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C3. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C3, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP relative to that of R134a of 92% or more, (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a of 151% or more, (4) a discharge temperature of 90.0° C. or less, and (5) a critical temperature of 81° C. or more.
Still more preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 33.0 to 37.9 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 67.0 to 62.1 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C3. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C3, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP relative to that of R134a of 92% or more, (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a of 152% or more, (4) a discharge temperature of 90.0° C. or less, and (5) a critical temperature of 81° C. or more.
Further preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 34.0 to 37.9 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 66.0 to 62.1 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C3. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C3, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP relative to that of R134a of 92% or more, (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a of 153% or more, (4) a discharge temperature of 90.0° C. or less, and (5) a critical temperature of 81° C. or more.
Particularly preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 35.0 to 37.9 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 65.0 to 62.1 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C3. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C3, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP relative to that of R134a of 92% or more, (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a of 155% or more, (4) a discharge temperature of 90.0° C. or less, and (5) a critical temperature of 81° C. or more.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C3 is used for operating the refrigeration cycle, in the present disclosure, the discharge temperature is preferably 90.0° C. or less, more preferably 89.7° C. or less, further preferably 89.4° C. or less, particularly preferably 89.0° C. or less, from the viewpoint that the life of any member of a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R134a is extended.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C3 is used for operating the refrigeration cycle, in the present disclosure, a process of liquefaction (condensation) of the refrigerant is required in the refrigeration cycle, and thus the critical temperature is required to be remarkably higher than the temperature of cooling water or cooling air for liquefying the refrigerant. The critical temperature in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C3 of the present disclosure is used is preferably 80° C. or more, more preferably 81° C. or more, further preferably 81.5° C. or more, in particular, 82° C. or more, from such a viewpoint.
The refrigerant 2C3 is usually used for operating a refrigeration cycle at an evaporating temperature of −75 to 15° C. in the present disclosure, from the viewpoint that a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a of 150% or more is obtained.
The evaporating temperature in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C3 of the present disclosure is used is preferably 15° C. or less, more preferably 5° C. or less, further preferably 0° C. or less, particularly preferably −5° C. or less.
The evaporating temperature in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C3 of the present disclosure is used is preferably −65° C. or more, more preferably −60° C. or more, further preferably −55° C. or more, particularly preferably −50° C. or more.
The evaporating temperature in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C3 of the present disclosure is used is preferably −65° C. or more and 15° C. or less, more preferably −60° C. or more and 5° C. or less, further preferably −55° C. or more and 0° C. or less, particularly preferably −50° C. or more and −5° C. or less.
The critical temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C3 of the present disclosure is used is preferably 80° C. or more, more preferably 81° C. or more, further preferably 81.5° C. or more, particularly preferably 82° C. or more, from the viewpoint of an enhancement in performance.
The refrigerant 2C3 may usually include 99.5 mass % or more of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in terms of the sum of the concentrations of these components. In the present disclosure, the total amount of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the entire refrigerant 2C3 is preferably 99.7 mass % or more, more preferably 99.8 mass % or more, further preferably 99.9 mass % or more.
The refrigerant 2C3 can further include other refrigerant, in addition to HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, as long as the above characteristics are not impaired. In such a case, the content rate of such other refrigerant in the entire refrigerant 2C3 is preferably 0.5 mass % or less, more preferably 0.3 mass % or less, further preferably 0.2 mass % or less, particularly preferably 0.1 mass % or less. Such other refrigerant is not limited, and can be selected from a wide range of known refrigerants widely used in the art. Such other refrigerant may be included singly or in combinations of two or more kinds thereof in the refrigerant 2C3.
The refrigerant 2C3 particularly preferably consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In other words, the refrigerant 2C3 particularly preferably includes HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf at a total concentration of 100 mass % in the entire refrigerant 2C3.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C3 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is usually 31.1 to 39.8 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is usually 68.9 to 60.2 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. The refrigerant 2C3, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP comparable with that of R134a, (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a of 150% or more, and (4) a discharge temperature of 90° C. or less.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C3 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 31.1 to 37.9 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 68.9 to 62.1 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C3, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP relative to that of R134a of 92% or more, (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a of 150% or more, (4) a discharge temperature of 90.0° C. or less, and (5) a critical temperature of 81° C. or more.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C3 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, more preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 32.0 to 37.9 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 68.0 to 62.1 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C3, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP relative to that of R134a of 92% or more, (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a of 151% or more, (4) a discharge temperature of 90.0° C. or less, and (5) a critical temperature of 81° C. or more.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C3 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, further preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 33.0 to 37.9 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 67.0 to 62.1 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C3, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP relative to that of R134a of 92% or more, (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a of 152% or more, (4) a discharge temperature of 90.0° C. or less, and (5) a critical temperature of 81° C. or more.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C3 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, further preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 34.0 to 37.9 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 66.0 to 62.1 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C3, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP relative to that of R134a of 92% or more, (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a of 153% or more, (4) a discharge temperature of 90.0° C. or less, and (5) a critical temperature of 81° C. or more.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C3 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, further preferably, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 35.0 to 37.9 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 65.0 to 62.1 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C3, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP relative to that of R134a of 9200 or more, (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R134a of 155% or more, (4) a discharge temperature of 90.0° C. or less, and (5) a critical temperature of 81° C. or more.
(1-6-4) Refrigerant 2C4
The refrigerant included in the composition of the present disclosure includes, in one aspect, HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, and the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 21.0 to 28.4 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 79.0 to 71.6 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. The refrigerant is sometimes referred to as “refrigerant 2C4”.
The refrigerant 2C4, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP comparable with that of R1234yf, and (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 1400% or more, and (4) lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.380 MPa or more and 0.420 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 21.0 mass % or more based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C4, thereby allowing a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 1400% or more to be obtained. The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 28.4 mass % or less based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C4, thereby allowing a critical temperature of 83.5° C. or more to be easily ensured.
The refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf in the refrigerant 2C4 may be 1400% or more, and is preferably 142% or more, more preferably 143% or more, further preferably 145% or more, particularly preferably 146% or more.
The refrigerant 2C4 has a GWP of 100 or less, and thus can remarkably suppress the environmental load from the viewpoint of global warming as compared with other general-purpose refrigerants.
The refrigerant 2C4 is preferably high in ratio of the driving force consumed in the refrigeration cycle and the refrigerating capacity (coefficient of performance (COP)), relative to that of R1234yf, from the viewpoint of energy consumption efficiency, and specifically, the COP relative to that of R1234yf is preferably 95% or more, more preferably 96% or more, further preferably 9700 or more, particularly preferably 98% or more.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is preferably 21.5 to 28.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is preferably 78.5 to 72.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C4. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R1234yf of 98% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 140% or more, lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard, a discharge temperature of 65.0° C. or less, and a critical temperature of 83.5° C. or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.383 MPa or more and 0.418 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is more preferably 22.0 to 27.7 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is more preferably 78.0 to 72.3 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C4. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R1234yf of 98% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 140% or more, lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard, a discharge temperature of 65.0° C. or less, and a critical temperature of 83.5° C. or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.385 MPa or more and 0.417 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is further preferably 22.5 to 27.5 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is further preferably 77.5 to 72.5 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C4. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R1234yf of 98% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 1400% or more, lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard, a discharge temperature of 64.8° C. or less, and a critical temperature of 83.8° C. or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.388 MPa or more and 0.414 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is particularly preferably 23.0 to 27.2 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is particularly preferably 77.0 to 72.8 mass % based on the total mass of HIFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C4. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R1234yf of 98% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 141% or more, lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard, a discharge temperature of 64.8° C. or less, and a critical temperature of 83.8° C. or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.390 MPa or more and 0.414 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is extremely preferably 23.5 to 27.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is extremely preferably 76.5 to 73.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C4. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R1234yf of 98% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 142% or more, lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard, a discharge temperature of 64.8° C. or less, and a critical temperature of 83.8° C. or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.390 MPa or more and 0.414 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is most preferably 24.0 to 26.7 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is most preferably 76.0 to 73.3 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HIFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C4. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R1234yf of 98% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 144% or more, lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard, a discharge temperature of 64.6° C. or less, and a critical temperature of 84.0° C. or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.396 MPa or more and 0.411 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
The refrigerant 2C4 usually has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.420 MPa or less, preferably 0.418 MPa or less, more preferably 0.417 MPa or less, further preferably 0.415 MPa or less, particularly preferably 0.413 MPa or less. Such a range enables the refrigerant 2C4 to be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
The refrigerant 2C4 usually has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.380 MPa or more, preferably 0.385 MPa or more, more preferably 0.390 MPa or more, further preferably 0.400 MPa or more, particularly preferably 0.410 MPa or more. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C4 is used for operating the refrigeration cycle, in the present disclosure, the discharge temperature is preferably 65° C. or less, more preferably 64.8° C. or less, further preferably 64.7° C. or less, particularly preferably 64.5° C. or less from the viewpoint that the life of any member of a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf is extended.
The refrigerant 2C4 is preferably used for operating a refrigeration cycle at an evaporating temperature of −75 to 5° C. in the present disclosure, from the viewpoint that a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 140% or more is obtained.
The evaporating temperature in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C4 of the present disclosure is used is preferably 5° C. or less, more preferably 0° C. or less, further preferably −5° C. or less, particularly preferably −10° C. or less, from the viewpoint that a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 140% or more is obtained.
The evaporating temperature in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C4 of the present disclosure is used is preferably −75° C. or more, more preferably −60° C. or more, further preferably −55° C. or more, particularly preferably −50° C. or more, from the viewpoint that a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 140%0 or more is obtained.
The evaporating temperature in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C4 of the present disclosure is used is preferably −65° C. or more and 0° C. or less, more preferably −60° C. or more and −5° C. or less, further preferably −55° C. or more and −7.5° C. or less, particularly preferably −50° C. or more and −10° C. or less, from the viewpoint that a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 140% or more is obtained.
The discharge temperature in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C4 of the present disclosure is used is preferably 65.0° C. or less, more preferably 64.9° C. or less, further preferably 64.8° C. or less, particularly preferably 64.7° C. or less, from the viewpoint that the life of any member of a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf is extended.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C4 is used for operating the refrigeration cycle, in the present disclosure, a process of liquefaction (condensation) of the refrigerant is required in the refrigeration cycle, and thus the critical temperature is required to be remarkably higher than the temperature of cooling water or cooling air for liquefying the refrigerant. The critical temperature in the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant 2C4 of the present disclosure is used is preferably 83.5° C. or more, more preferably 83.8° C. or more, further preferably 84.0° C. or more, particularly preferably 84.5° C. or more, from such a viewpoint.
The refrigerant 2C4 can further include other refrigerant, in addition to HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, as long as the above characteristics are not impaired. In such a case, the content rate of such other refrigerant in the entire refrigerant 2C4 is preferably 0.5 mass % or less, more preferably 0.3 mass % or less, further preferably 0.2 mass % or less, particularly preferably 0.1 mass % or less. Such other refrigerant is not limited, and can be selected from a wide range of known refrigerants widely used in the art. Such other refrigerant may be included singly or in combinations of two or more kinds thereof in the refrigerant 2C4.
The refrigerant 2C4 particularly preferably consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In other words, the refrigerant 2C4 particularly preferably includes HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf at a total concentration of 100 mass % in the entire refrigerant 2C4.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C4 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is usually 21.0 to 28.4 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is usually 79.0 to 71.6 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. The refrigerant 2C4, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP comparable with that of R1234yf and (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 140% or more, and (4) lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.380 MPa or more and 0.420 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C4 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is preferably 21.5 to 28.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is preferably 78.5 to 72.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R1234yf of 98% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 140% or more, lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard, a discharge temperature of 65.0° C. or less, and a critical temperature of 83.5° C. or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.383 MPa or more and 0.418 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C4 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is more preferably 22.0 to 27.7 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is more preferably 78.0 to 72.3 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R1234yf of 98% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 140% or more, lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard, a discharge temperature of 65.0° C. or less, and a critical temperature of 83.5° C. or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.385 MPa or more and 0.417 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C4 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is further preferably 22.5 to 27.5 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is further preferably 77.5 to 72.5 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R1234yf of 98% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 140% or more, lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard, a discharge temperature of 64.8° C. or less, and a critical temperature of 83.8° C. or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.388 MPa or more and 0.414 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C4 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is particularly preferably 23.0 to 27.2 mass % and the content rate of HIFO-1234yf is particularly preferably 77.0 to 72.8 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R1234yf of 98% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 141% or more, lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard, a discharge temperature of 64.8° C. or less, and a critical temperature of 83.8° C. or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.390 MPa or more and 0.414 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C4 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is extremely preferably 23.5 to 27.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is extremely preferably 76.5 to 73.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R1234yf of 98% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 142% or more, lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard, a discharge temperature of 64.8° C. or less, and a critical temperature of 83.8° C. or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.390 MPa or more and 0.414 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C4 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is most preferably 24.0 to 26.7 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is most preferably 76.0 to 73.3 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has various characteristics of a GWP of 100 or less, a COP relative to that of R1234yf of 98% or more, a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 144% or more, lower flammability (Class 2L) according to ASHRAE Standard, a discharge temperature of 64.6° C. or less, and a critical temperature of 84.0° C. or more. Furthermore, in such a case, the refrigerant 2C4 has a saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., of 0.396 MPa or more and 0.411 MPa or less, and can be applied to a commercially available refrigerating apparatus for R1234yf without any significant change in design.
(1-6-5) Refrigerant 2C5
The refrigerant included in the composition of the present disclosure includes, in one aspect, HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, and the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 12.1 to 72.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is 87.9 to 28.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. The refrigerant is sometimes referred to as “refrigerant 2C5”.
In the present disclosure, the refrigerant 2C5 is used for in-car air conditioning equipment.
The refrigerant 2C5, which has such a configuration, thus has various characteristics of (1) a sufficiently low GWP (100 or less), (2) a COP comparable with that of R1234yf, (3) a refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf of 128% or more, and (4) a flame velocity of less than 10.0 cm/s.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 12.1 mass % or more based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C5, and thus a boiling point of −40° C. or less can be ensured which is favorable in a case where heating is made by using a heat pump in an electric car. Herein, a boiling point of −40° C. or less means that the saturation pressure at −40° C. is equal to or more than atmospheric pressure, and such a lower boiling point of −40° C. or less is preferable in the above applications. The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is 72.0 mass % or less based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C5, and thus aflame velocity of less than 10.0 cm/s can be ensured which contributes to safety in the case of use in in-car air conditioning equipment.
The refrigerating capacity relative to that of R1234yf in the refrigerant 2C5 may be 128% or more, and is preferably 130% or more, more preferably 140% or more, further preferably 150% or more, particularly preferably 160% or more.
The refrigerant 2C5 has a GWP of 5 or more and 100 or less, and thus can remarkably suppress the environmental load from the viewpoint of global warming as compared with other general-purpose refrigerants.
The ratio of the driving force consumed in the refrigeration cycle and the refrigerating capacity (coefficient of performance (COP)), relative to that of R1234yf, in the refrigerant 2C5 may be 100% or more from the viewpoint of energy consumption efficiency.
The refrigerant 2C5 is used in in-car air conditioning equipment, and thus an advantage is that heating can be made by a heat pump lower in consumption power as compared with an electric heater.
The air conditioning equipment with the refrigerant 2C5 is preferably for a gasoline-fueled car, a hybrid car, an electric car or a hydrogen-fueled car. In particular, the air conditioning equipment with the refrigerant 2C5 is particularly preferably for an electric car, from the viewpoint that not only heating in a vehicle interior is made by a heat pump, but also the travel distance of such a car is enhanced. That is, the refrigerant 2C5 is particularly preferably used in an electric car, in the present disclosure.
The refrigerant 2C5 is used in in-car air conditioning equipment, in the present disclosure. The refrigerant 2C5 is preferably used in air conditioning equipment of a gasoline-fueled car, air conditioning equipment of a hybrid car, air conditioning equipment of an electric car or air conditioning equipment of a hydrogen-fueled car, in the present disclosure. The refrigerant 2C5 is particularly preferably used in air conditioning equipment of an electric car, in the present disclosure.
Since a pressure equal to or more than atmospheric pressure at −40° C. is required in heating of a vehicle interior by a heat pump, the refrigerant 2C5 preferably has a boiling point of −51.2 to −40.0° C., more preferably −50.0 to −42.0° C., further preferably −48.0 to −44.0° C., in the present disclosure.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is preferably 15.0 to 65.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is preferably 85.0 to 35.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C5.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is more preferably 20.0 to 55.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is more preferably 80.0 to 45.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C5.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is further preferably 25.0 to 50.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is further preferably 75.0 to 50.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C5.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is particularly preferably 30.0 to 45.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is particularly preferably 70.0 to 55.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C5.
The content rate of HFO-1132(E) is most preferably 35.0 to 40.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is most preferably 65.0 to 60.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the refrigerant 2C5.
The refrigerant 2C5 preferably has a flame velocity of less than 10.0 cm/s, more preferably less than 5.0 cm/s, further preferably less than 3.0 cm/s, particularly preferably 2.0 cm/s, in the present disclosure.
The refrigerant 2C5 is preferably used for operating a refrigeration cycle at an evaporating temperature of −40 to 10° C. in the present disclosure, from the viewpoint that a refrigerating capacity equivalent to or more than that of R1234yf is obtained.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C5 is used for operating the refrigeration cycle, in the present disclosure, the discharge temperature is preferably 79° C. or less, more preferably 75° C. or less, further preferably 70° C. or less, particularly preferably 67° C. or less.
The refrigerant 2C5 may usually include 99.5 mass % or more of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in terms of the sum of the concentrations of these components. In the present disclosure, the total amount of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf in the entire refrigerant 2C5 is preferably 99.7 mass % or more, more preferably 99.8 mass % or more, further preferably 99.9 mass % or more.
The refrigerant 2C5 can further include other refrigerant, in addition to HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, as long as the above characteristics are not impaired. In such a case, the content rate of such other refrigerant in the entire refrigerant 2C5 is preferably 0.5 mass % or less, more preferably 0.3 mass % or less, further preferably 0.2 mass % or less, particularly preferably 0.1 mass % or less. Such other refrigerant is not limited, and can be selected from a wide range of known refrigerants widely used in the art. Such other refrigerant may be included singly or in combinations of two or more kinds thereof in the refrigerant 2C5.
The refrigerant 2C5 particularly preferably consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf. In other words, the refrigerant 2C5 particularly preferably includes HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf at a total concentration of 100 mass % in the entire refrigerant 2C5.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C5 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is usually 12.1 to 72.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is usually 87.9 to 28.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C5 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is preferably 15.0 to 65.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is preferably 85.0 to 35.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C5 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is more preferably 20.0 to 55.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is more preferably 80.0 to 45.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C5 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is further preferably 25.0 to 50.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is further preferably 75.0 to 50.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C5 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is particularly preferably 30.0 to 45.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is particularly preferably 70.0 to 55.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf.
In a case where the refrigerant 2C5 consists only of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf, the content rate of HFO-1132(E) is most preferably 35.0 to 40.0 mass % and the content rate of HFO-1234yf is most preferably 65.0 to 60.0 mass % based on the total mass of HFO-1132(E) and HFO-1234yf.
Hereinafter, the refrigerant C will be described with reference to Examples in more detail. It is noted that the present disclosure is not limited to such Examples.
The GWP of each mixed refrigerant represented in Examples 1-1 to 1-13, Comparative Examples 1-1 to 1-2 and Reference Example 1-1 (R404A) was evaluated based on the value in the fourth report of IPCC.
The COP, the refrigerating capacity, the discharge temperature, the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., the condensation pressure and the evaporating pressure of such each mixed refrigerant were determined by performing theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant under the following conditions by using National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) and Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Database (Refprop 9.0).
An “evaporating temperature of −50° C.” means that the evaporating temperature of such each mixed refrigerant in an evaporator included in a refrigerating apparatus is −50° C. A “condensation temperature of 40° C.” means that the condensation temperature of such each mixed refrigerant in a condenser included in a refrigerating apparatus is 40° C.
The results in Test Example 1-1 are shown in Table 33. Table 323 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of the refrigerant 2C1 of the present disclosure. In Table 33, the “COP ratio” and the “Refrigerating capacity ratio” each represent the proportion (%) relative to that of R404A.
In Table 33, the “Saturation pressure (40° C.)” represents the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C. In Table 33, the “Discharge temperature (° C.)” represents the temperature at which the highest temperature in the refrigeration cycle is achieved in theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant.
The coefficient of performance (COP) was determined according to the following expression.
COP=(Refrigerating capacity or heating capacity)/Power consumption
The compression ratio was determined by the following expression.
Compression ratio=Condensation pressure (Mpa)/Evaporating pressure (Mpa)
The flammability of such each mixed refrigerant was determined by defining the mixed composition of such each mixed refrigerant as the WCF concentration, and measuring the flame velocity according to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2013. One having aflame velocity of 0 cm/s to 10 cm/s was rated as “Class 2L (lower flammability)”, one having a flame velocity of more than 10 cm/s was rated as “Class 2 (low flammability)”, and one causing no flame propagation was rated as “Class 1 (non-flammability)”. In Table 33, the “ASRAE flammability classification” shows each result based on the criteria for determination.
The flame velocity test was performed as follows. First, the mixed refrigerant used had a purity of 99.5% or more, and degassing was made by repeating a cycle of freezing, pumping and thawing until no trace of air was observed on a vacuum gauge. The flame velocity was measured by a closed method. The initial temperature was ambient temperature. Ignition was performed by generating an electric spark between electrodes at the center of a sample cell. The duration of discharge was 1.0 to 9.9 ms, and the ignition energy was typically about 0.1 to 1.0 J. The spread of any flame was visualized using a schlieren photograph. A cylindrical container (inner diameter: 155 mm, length: 198 mm) equipped with two light-transmitting acrylic windows was used as the sample cell, and a xenon lamp was used as a light source. A schlieren image of any flame was recorded by a high-speed digital camera at a frame rate of 600 fps, and stored in a PC.
The flammable range of the mixed refrigerant was measured by using an apparatus (see
Specifically, a spherical glass flask having an internal volume of 12 L was used so that the state of flame could be visually observed, and recorded and imaged, and the glass flask was set so that any gas was released through a lid at the top when an excess pressure was generated due to flame.
The ignition method was made by generating ignition due to discharge from an electrode held at a height of ⅓ from the bottom.
<Test Conditions>
The GWP of each mixed refrigerant represented in Examples 1-14 to 1-26, Comparative Examples 1-3 to 1-4 and Reference Example 1-2 (R404A) was evaluated based on the value in the fourth report of IPCC.
The COP, the refrigerating capacity, the discharge temperature, the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., the condensation pressure and the evaporating pressure of such each mixed refrigerant were determined by performing theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant under the following conditions by using NIST and Refprop 9.0.
The meaning of each of the above terms is the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The results in Test Example 1-2 are shown in Table 34. Table 34 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of the refrigerant 2C1 of the present disclosure. In Table 34, the meaning of each of the terms is the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were determined in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammability of such each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1. The flame velocity test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammable range of the mixed refrigerant was measured by using a measurement apparatus (see
The GWP of each mixed refrigerant represented in Examples 1-27 to 1-39, Comparative Examples 1-5 to 1-6 and Reference Example 1-3 (R404A) was evaluated based on the value in the fourth report of IPCC.
The COP, the refrigerating capacity, the discharge temperature, the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., the condensation pressure and the evaporating pressure of such each mixed refrigerant were determined by performing theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant under the following conditions by using NIST and Refprop 9.0.
The meaning of each of the above terms is the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The results in Test Example 1-3 are shown in Table 35. Table 35 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of the refrigerant 2C1 of the present disclosure. In Table 35, the meaning of each of the terms is the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were determined in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammability of such each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1. The flame velocity test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammable range of the mixed refrigerant was measured by using a measurement apparatus (see
The GWP of each mixed refrigerant represented in Comparative Examples 1-7 to 1-21 and Reference Example 1-4 (R404A) was evaluated based on the value in the fourth report of IPCC.
The COP, the refrigerating capacity, the discharge temperature, the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., the condensation pressure and the evaporating pressure of such each mixed refrigerant were determined by performing theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant under the following conditions by using NIST and Refprop 9.0.
The meaning of each of the above terms is the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The results in Test Example 1-4 are shown in Table 36. Table 36 shows Comparative Examples of the refrigerant 2C1 of the present disclosure. In Table 36, the meaning of each of the terms is the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were determined in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammability of such each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1. The flame velocity test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammable range of the mixed refrigerant was measured by using a measurement apparatus (see
The GWP of each mixed refrigerant represented in Comparative Examples 1-22 to 1-36 and Reference Example 1-5 (R404A) was evaluated based on the value in the fourth report of IPCC.
The COP, the refrigerating capacity, the discharge temperature, the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., the condensation pressure and the evaporating pressure of such each mixed refrigerant were determined by performing theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant under the following conditions by using NIST and Refprop 9.0.
The meaning of each of the above terms is the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The results in Test Example 1-5 are shown in Table 37. Table 37 shows Comparative Examples of the refrigerant 2C1 of the present disclosure. In Table 37, the meaning of each of the terms is the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were determined in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammability of such each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1. The flame velocity test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammable range of the mixed refrigerant was measured by using a measurement apparatus (see
The GWP of each mixed refrigerant represented in Examples 2-1 to 2-6, Comparative Examples 2-1 to 2-9 and Reference Example 2-1 (R404A) was evaluated based on the value in the fourth report of IPCC.
The COP, the refrigerating capacity, the discharge temperature, the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., the condensation pressure and the evaporating pressure of such each mixed refrigerant were determined by performing theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant under the following conditions by using National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) and Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Database (Refprop 9.0).
An “evaporating temperature of −50° C.” means that the evaporating temperature of such each mixed refrigerant in an evaporator included in a refrigerating apparatus is −50° C. A “condensation temperature of 40° C.” means that the condensation temperature of such each mixed refrigerant in a condenser included in a refrigerating apparatus is 40° C.
The results in Test Example 2-1 are shown in Table 38. Table 38 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of the refrigerant 2C2 of the present disclosure. In Table 38, the “COP ratio” and the “Refrigerating capacity ratio” each represent the proportion (%) relative to that of R404A.
In Table 38, the “Saturation pressure (40° C.)” represents the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C. In Table 38, the “Discharge temperature (° C.)” represents the temperature at which the highest temperature in the refrigeration cycle is achieved in theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant.
The coefficient of performance (COP) was determined according to the following expression.
COP=(Refrigerating capacity or heating capacity)/Power consumption
The compression ratio was determined by the following expression.
Compression ratio=Condensation pressure (Mpa)/Evaporating pressure (Mpa)
The flammability of such each mixed refrigerant was determined by defining the mixed composition of such each mixed refrigerant as the WCF concentration, and measuring the flame velocity according to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2013. One having aflame velocity of 0 cm/s to 10 cm/s was rated as “Class 2L (lower flammability)”, one having a flame velocity of more than 10 cm/s was rated as “Class 2 (low flammability)”, and one causing no flame propagation was rated as “Class 1 (non-flammability)”. In Table 38, the “ASRAE flammability classification” shows each result based on the criteria for determination.
The flame velocity test was performed as follows. First, the mixed refrigerant used had a purity of 99.5% or more, and degassing was made by repeating a cycle of freezing, pumping and thawing until no trace of air was observed on a vacuum gauge. The flame velocity was measured by a closed method. The initial temperature was ambient temperature. Ignition was performed by generating an electric spark between electrodes at the center of a sample cell. The duration of discharge was 1.0 to 9.9 ms, and the ignition energy was typically about 0.1 to 1.0 J. The spread of any flame was visualized using a schlieren photograph. A cylindrical container (inner diameter: 155 mm, length: 198 mm) equipped with two light-transmitting acrylic windows was used as the sample cell, and a xenon lamp was used as a light source. A schlieren image of any flame was recorded by a high-speed digital video camera at a frame rate of 600 fps, and stored in a PC.
The flammable range of the mixed refrigerant was measured by using a measurement apparatus (see
Specifically, a spherical glass flask having an internal volume of 12 L was used so that the state of flame could be visually observed, and recorded and imaged, and the glass flask was set so that any gas was released through a lid at the top when an excess pressure was generated due to flame. The ignition method was made by generating ignition due to discharge from an electrode held at a height of ⅓ from the bottom.
<Test Conditions>
The GWP of each mixed refrigerant represented in Examples 2-7 to 2-12, Comparative Examples 2-10 to 2-18 and Reference Example 2-2 (R404A) was evaluated based on the value in the fourth report of IPCC.
The COP, the refrigerating capacity, the discharge temperature, the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., the condensation pressure and the evaporating pressure of such each mixed refrigerant were determined by performing theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant under the following conditions by using NIST and Refprop 9.0.
The meaning of each of the above terms is the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The results in Test Example 2-2 are shown in Table 39. Table 39 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of the refrigerant 2C2 of the present disclosure. In Table 39, the meaning of each of the terms is the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were determined in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammability of such each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1. The flame velocity test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammable range of the mixed refrigerant was measured by using a measurement apparatus (see
The GWP of each mixed refrigerant represented in Examples 2-13 to 2-18, Comparative Examples 2-19 to 2-27 and Reference Example 2-3 (R404A) was evaluated based on the value in the fourth report of IPCC.
The COP, the refrigerating capacity, the discharge temperature, the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., the condensation pressure and the evaporating pressure of such each mixed refrigerant were determined by performing theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant under the following conditions by using NIST and Refprop 9.0.
The meaning of each of the above terms is the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The results in Test Example 2-3 are shown in Table 40. Table 40 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of the refrigerant 2C2 of the present disclosure. In Table 40, the meaning of each of the terms is the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were determined in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammability of such each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1. The flame velocity test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammable range of the mixed refrigerant was measured by using a measurement apparatus (see
The GWP of each mixed refrigerant represented in Examples 2-19 to 2-24, Comparative Examples 2-28 to 2-36 and Reference Example 2-4 (R404A) was evaluated based on the value in the fourth report of IPCC.
The COP, the refrigerating capacity, the discharge temperature, the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., the condensation pressure and the evaporating pressure of such each mixed refrigerant were determined by performing theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant under the following conditions by using NIST and Refprop 9.0.
The meaning of each of the above terms is the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The results in Test Example 2-4 are shown in Table 41. Table 41 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of the refrigerant 2C2 of the present disclosure. In Table 41, the meaning of each of the terms is the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were determined in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammability of such each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1. The flame velocity test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammable range of the mixed refrigerant was measured by using a measurement apparatus (see
The GWP of each mixed refrigerant represented in Examples 2-25 to 2-30, Comparative Examples 2-37 to 245 and Reference Example 2-5 (R404A) was evaluated based on the value in the fourth report of IPCC.
The COP, the refrigerating capacity, the discharge temperature, the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C., the condensation pressure and the evaporating pressure of such each mixed refrigerant were determined by performing theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant under the following conditions by using NIST and Refprop 9.0.
The meaning of each of the above terms is the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The results in Test Example 2-5 are shown in Table 42. Table 42 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of the refrigerant 2C2 of the present disclosure. In Table 42, the meaning of each of the terms is the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were determined in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammability of such each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1. The flame velocity test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammable range of the mixed refrigerant was measured by using a measurement apparatus (see
The GWP of each mixed refrigerant represented in Examples 3-1 to 3-5, Comparative Examples 3-1 to 3-5, Reference Example 3-1 (R134a) and Reference Example 3-2 (R404A) was evaluated based on the value in the fourth report of IPCC.
The COP, the refrigerating capacity, the discharge temperature, the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 45° C., the condensation pressure and the evaporating pressure of such each mixed refrigerant were determined by performing theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant under the following conditions by using National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) and Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Database (Refprop 9.0).
An “evaporating temperature of −10° C.” means that the evaporating temperature of such each mixed refrigerant in an evaporator included in a refrigerating apparatus is −10° C. A “condensation temperature of 45° C.” means that the condensation temperature of such each mixed refrigerant in an evaporator included in a refrigerating apparatus is 45° C.
The results in Test Example 3 are shown in Table 43. Table 43 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of the refrigerant 2C3 of the present disclosure. In Table 43, the “COP ratio” and the “Refrigerating capacity ratio” each represent the proportion (%) relative to that of R134a. In Table 43, the “Saturation pressure (45° C.)” represents the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 45° C. In Table 43, the “Discharge temperature (° C.)” represents the temperature at which the highest temperature in the refrigeration cycle is achieved in theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant.
The coefficient of performance (COP) was determined according to the following expression.
COP=(Refrigerating capacity or heating capacity)/Power consumption
The critical temperature was determined by performing calculation by using National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) and Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Database (Refprop 9.0).
The flammability of such each mixed refrigerant was determined by defining the mixed composition of such each mixed refrigerant as the WCF concentration, and measuring the flame velocity according to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2013. One having aflame velocity of 0 cm/s to 10 cm/s was rated as “Class 2L (lower flammability)”, one having a flame velocity of more than 10 cm/s was rated as “Class 2 (low flammability)”, and one causing no flame propagation was rated as “Class 1 (non-flammability)”. In Table 43, the “ASHRAE flammability classification” shows each result based on the criteria for determination.
The flame velocity test was performed as follows. First, the mixed refrigerant used had a purity of 99.5% or more, and degassing was made by repeating a cycle of freezing, pumping and thawing until no trace of air was observed on a vacuum gauge. The flame velocity was measured by a closed method. The initial temperature was ambient temperature. Ignition was performed by generating an electric spark between electrodes at the center of a sample cell. The duration of discharge was 1.0 to 9.9 ms, and the ignition energy was typically about 0.1 to 1.0 J. The spread of any flame was visualized using a schlieren photograph. A cylindrical container (inner diameter: 155 mm, length: 198 mm) equipped with two light-transmitting acrylic windows was used as the sample cell, and a xenon lamp was used as a light source. A schlieren image of any flame was recorded by a high-speed digital video camera at a frame rate of 600 fps, and stored in a PC.
The flammable range of the mixed refrigerant was measured by using a measurement apparatus (see
Specifically, a spherical glass flask having an internal volume of 12 L was used so that the state of flame could be visually observed, and recorded and imaged, and the glass flask was set so that any gas was released through a lid at the top when an excess pressure was generated due to flame. The ignition method was made by generating ignition due to discharge from an electrode held at a height of ⅓ from the bottom.
<Test Conditions>
The GWP of each mixed refrigerant represented in Examples 4-1 to 4-7 and Comparative Examples 4-1 to 4-5 was evaluated based on the value in the fourth report of IPCC.
The COP, the refrigerating capacity, the discharge temperature and the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C. of such each mixed refrigerant were determined by performing theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant under the following conditions by using National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) and Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Database (Refprop 9.0).
An “evaporating temperature of 5° C.” means that the evaporating temperature of such each mixed refrigerant in an evaporator included in a refrigerating apparatus is 5° C. A “condensation temperature of 45° C.” means that the condensation temperature of such each mixed refrigerant in a condenser included in a refrigerating apparatus is 45° C.
The results in Test Example 4 are shown in Table 44. Table 44 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of the refrigerant 2C4 of the present disclosure. In Table 44, the “COP ratio” and the “Refrigerating capacity ratio” each represent the proportion (%) relative to that of R1234yf. In Table 44, the “Saturation pressure (−10° C.)” represents the saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of −10° C., as a representative evaporating temperature value under refrigeration conditions. In Table 44, the “Discharge temperature (° C.)” represents the temperature at which the highest temperature in the refrigeration cycle is achieved in theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant.
The coefficient of performance (COP) was determined according to the following expression.
COP=(Refrigerating capacity or heating capacity)/Power consumption
The critical temperature was determined by performing calculation by using National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) and Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Database (Refprop 9.0).
The flammability of such each mixed refrigerant was determined by defining the mixed composition of such each mixed refrigerant as the WCF concentration, and measuring the flame velocity according to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2013. One having aflame velocity of 0 cm/s to 10 cm/s was rated as “Class 2L (lower flammability)”, one having a flame velocity of more than 10 cm/s was rated as “Class 2 (low flammability)”, and one causing no flame propagation was rated as “Class 1 (non-flammability)”. In Table 44, the “ASHRAE flammability classification” shows each result based on the criteria for determination.
The flame velocity test was performed as follows. First, the mixed refrigerant used had a purity of 99.5% or more, and degassing was made by repeating a cycle of freezing, pumping and thawing until no trace of air was observed on a vacuum gauge. The flame velocity was measured by a closed method. The initial temperature was ambient temperature. Ignition was performed by generating an electric spark between electrodes at the center of a sample cell. The duration of discharge was 1.0 to 9.9 ms, and the ignition energy was typically about 0.1 to 1.0 J. The spread of any flame was visualized using a schlieren photograph. A cylindrical container (inner diameter: 155 mm, length: 198 mm) equipped with two light-transmitting acrylic windows was used as the sample cell, and a xenon lamp was used as a light source. A schlieren image of any flame was recorded by a high-speed digital video camera at a frame rate of 600 fps, and stored in a PC.
The flammable range of the mixed refrigerant was measured by using a measurement apparatus (see
Specifically, a spherical glass flask having an internal volume of 12 L was used so that the state of flame could be visually observed, and recorded and imaged, and the glass flask was set so that any gas was released through a lid at the top when an excess pressure was generated due to flame. The ignition method was made by generating ignition due to discharge from an electrode held at a height of ⅓ from the bottom.
<Test Conditions>
The GWP of each mixed refrigerant represented in Examples 5-1 to 5-13, Comparative Examples 5-1 to 5-3 and Reference Example 5-1 (R134a) was evaluated based on the value in the fourth report of IPCC.
The COP, the refrigerating capacity, the boiling point and the discharge temperature of such each mixed refrigerant were determined by performing theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant under the following conditions by using National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) and Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Database (Refprop 9.0).
An “evaporating temperature of −30° C.” means that the evaporating temperature of such each mixed refrigerant in an evaporator included in a refrigerating apparatus is −30° C. A “condensation temperature of 30° C.” means that the condensation temperature of such each mixed refrigerant in a condenser included in a refrigerating apparatus is 30° C.
The results in Test Example 5 are shown in Table 45. Table 45 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of the refrigerant 2C5 of the present disclosure. In Table 45, the “COP ratio” and the “Refrigerating capacity ratio” each represent the proportion (%) relative to that of R1234yf. In Table 45, the “Discharge temperature (° C.)” represents the temperature at which the highest temperature in the refrigeration cycle is achieved in theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant. In Table 45, the “Boiling point (° C.)” represents the temperature at which a liquid phase of such each mixed refrigerant is at atmospheric pressure (101.33 kPa). In Table 45, “Power consumption (%) of driving force” represents the electric energy used for traveling an electric car, and is represented by the ratio to the power consumption in the case of HFO-1234yf as the refrigerant. In Table 45, “Heating power consumption (%)” represents the electric energy used for operating heating by an electric car, and is represented by the ratio to the power consumption in the case of HFO-1234yf as the refrigerant. In Table 45, the “Mileage” represents the relative proportion (%) of the mileage in traveling with heating when the mileage in travelling with no heating in an electric car in which a secondary battery having a certain electric capacitance is mounted is 100% (the consumption power in heating is 0).
The coefficient of performance (COP) was determined according to the following expression.
COP=(Refrigerating capacity or heating capacity)/Power consumption
The flammability of such each mixed refrigerant was determined by defining the mixed composition of such each mixed refrigerant as the WCF concentration, and measuring the flame velocity according to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2013. The flame velocity was measured as follows. First, the mixed refrigerant used had a purity of 99.5% or more, and degassing was made by repeating a cycle of freezing, pumping and thawing until no trace of air was observed on a vacuum gauge. The flame velocity was measured by a closed method. The initial temperature was ambient temperature. Ignition was performed by generating an electric spark between electrodes at the center of a sample cell. The duration of discharge was 1.0 to 9.9 ms, and the ignition energy was typically about 0.1 to 1.0 J. The spread of any flame was visualized using a schlieren photograph. A cylindrical container (inner diameter: 155 mm, length: 198 mm) equipped with two light-transmitting acrylic windows was used as the sample cell, and a xenon lamp was used as a light source. A schlieren image of any flame was recorded by a high-speed digital camera at a frame rate of 600 fps, and stored in a PC.
The heating method included using an electric heater system for heating in the case of any refrigerant having a boiling point of more than −40° C., or using a heat pump system for heating in the case of refrigerant having a boiling point of −40° C. or less.
The power consumption in use of heating was determined by the following expression.
Power consumption in use of heating=Heating capacity/Heating COP
Herein, the heating COP means “heating efficiency”.
The heating efficiency means that the heating COP is 1 in the case of an electric heater, and an electrode comparable with a driving force is consumed in heating. In other words, the consumption power in heating is expressed by E=E/(1+COP). On the other hand, the heating COP in the case of a heat pump was determined by performing theoretical refrigeration cycle calculation with respect to such each mixed refrigerant under the following conditions by using National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) and Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Database (Refprop 9.0).
The mileage was determined by the following expression.
Mileage=(Battery capacitance)/(Power consumption of driving force+Heating power consumption)
The refrigerant composition of the present disclosure comprises at least the refrigerant of the present disclosure and can be used for the same applications as the refrigerant of the present disclosure.
The refrigerant composition of the present disclosure can be further used for obtaining a working fluid for a refrigeration apparatus by being mixed with at least a refrigerator oil.
The refrigerant composition of the present disclosure further contains at least one other component in addition to the refrigerant of the present disclosure. The refrigerant composition of the present disclosure may contain at least one of the other components described below as needed.
As described above, when the refrigerant composition of the present disclosure is used as a working fluid in a refrigeration apparatus, it is usually used by being mixed with at least a refrigerator oil.
Here, the refrigerant composition of the present disclosure is preferably substantially free from a refrigerator oil. Specifically, in the refrigerant composition of the present disclosure, the content of a refrigerator oil based on the entire refrigerant composition is preferably 0 to 1% by mass, more preferably 0 to 0.5% by mass, further preferably 0 to 0.25% by mass, and particularly preferably 0 to 0.1% by mass.
The refrigerant composition of the present disclosure may comprise a slight amount of water.
The water content in the refrigerant composition is preferably 0 to 0.1% by mass, more preferably 0 to 0.075% by mass, further preferably 0 to 0.05% by mass, and particularly preferably 0 to 0.025% by mass based on the entire refrigerant.
When the refrigerant composition comprises a slight amount of water, the intramolecular double bond of the unsaturated fluorocarbon-based compound that can be contained in the refrigerant is stabilized, and the oxidation of the unsaturated fluorocarbon-based compound is also less likely to occur, and therefore the stability of the refrigerant composition improves.
A tracer is added to the refrigerant composition of the present disclosure at a detectable concentration so that when the refrigerant composition of the present disclosure is diluted or contaminated or undergoes some other change, the change can be traced.
The refrigerant composition of the present disclosure may contain one of the above tracer alone or may contain two or more of the above tracers.
The above tracer is not limited and can be appropriately selected from generally used tracers. Preferably, a compound that cannot be an impurity unavoidably mixed into the refrigerant of the present disclosure is selected as the tracer.
Examples of the above tracer include a hydrofluorocarbon, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon, a chlorofluorocarbon, a hydrochlorocarbon, a fluorocarbon, a deuterated hydrocarbon, a deuterated hydrofluorocarbon, a perfluorocarbon, a fluoroether, a brominated compound, an iodinated compound, an alcohol, an aldehyde, a ketone, and nitrous oxide (N2O). Among these, a hydrofluorocarbon, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon, a chlorofluorocarbon, a hydrochlorocarbon, a fluorocarbon, and a fluoroether are preferred.
As the above tracer, specifically, the following compounds (hereinafter also referred to as tracer compounds) are more preferred:
The above tracer compound can be present in the refrigerant composition at a total concentration of 10 parts per million (ppm) by mass to 1,000 ppm. The above tracer compound is preferably present in the refrigerant composition at a total concentration of 30 ppm to 500 ppm, more preferably present in the refrigerant composition at a total concentration of 50 ppm to 300 ppm, further preferably present in the refrigerant composition at a total concentration of 75 ppm to 250 ppm, and particularly preferably present in the refrigerant composition at a total concentration of 100 ppm to 200 ppm.
The refrigerant composition of the present disclosure may contain one ultraviolet fluorescent dye alone or may contain two or more ultraviolet fluorescent dyes.
The above ultraviolet fluorescent dye is not limited and can be appropriately selected from generally used ultraviolet fluorescent dyes.
Examples of the above ultraviolet fluorescent dye include naphthalimide, coumarin, anthracene, phenanthrene, xanthene, thioxanthene, naphthoxanthene, and fluorescein, and derivatives thereof. Among these, naphthalimide and coumarin are preferred.
The refrigerant composition of the present disclosure may contain one stabilizer alone or may contain two or more stabilizers.
The above stabilizer is not limited and can be appropriately selected from generally used stabilizers.
Examples of the above stabilizer include nitro compounds, ethers, and amines.
Examples of the nitro compounds include an aliphatic nitro compound such as nitromethane or nitroethane, and an aromatic nitro compound such as nitrobenzene or nitrostyrene.
Examples of the ethers include 1,4-dioxane.
Examples of the amines include 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylamine and diphenylamine.
Examples of the above stabilizer also include butylhydroxyxylene and benzotriazole in addition to the above nitro compounds, ethers, and amines.
The content of the above stabilizer is not limited and is usually 0.01 to 5% by mass, preferably 0.05 to 3% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 2% by mass, further preferably 0.25 to 1.5% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.5 to 1% by mass based on the entire refrigerant.
The method for evaluating the stability of the refrigerant composition of the present disclosure is not limited, and the stability can be evaluated by a generally used method. One example of such a method includes a method of evaluating according to ASHRAE Standard 97-2007 using the amount of free fluorine ions as an indicator Another example includes a method of evaluating using a total acid number as an indicator. This method can be performed, for example, according to ASTM D 974-06.
The refrigerant composition of the present disclosure may contain one polymerization inhibitor alone or may contain two or more polymerization inhibitors.
The above polymerization inhibitor is not limited and can be appropriately selected from generally used polymerization inhibitors.
Examples of the above polymerization inhibitor include 4-methoxy-1-naphthol, hydroquinone, hydroquinone methyl ether, dimethyl-t-butylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, and benzotriazole.
The content of the above polymerization inhibitor is not limited and is usually 0.01 to 5% by mass, preferably 0.05 to 3% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 2% by mass, further preferably 0.25 to 1.5% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.5 to 1% by mass based on the entire refrigerant.
2.6 Other Components that can be Contained in Refrigerant Composition
In the refrigerant composition of the present disclosure, examples of a component that can be contained also include the following components.
For example, the refrigerant composition of the present disclosure can contain a fluorinated hydrocarbon which are different from the above-described refrigerant. The fluorinated hydrocarbon as another component is not limited, and examples thereof include at least one fluorinated hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of HCFC-1122 and HCFC-124 and CFC-1113.
As the other components, the refrigerant composition of the present disclosure can contain at least one halogenated organic compound, for example, represented by formula (A): CmHnXp wherein X each independently represents a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or a bromine atom, m is 1 or 2, 2m+2≥n+p, and p≥1. The above halogenated organic compound is not limited, and, for example, difluorochloromethane, chloromethane, 2-chloro-1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane, 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 2-chloro-1,1-difluoroethylene, and trifluoroethylene are preferred.
As the other component, the refrigerant composition of the present disclosure can contain at least one organic compound, for example, represented by formula (B): CmHnXp wherein X each independently represent an atom that is not a halogen atom, m is 1 or 2, 2m+2≥n+p, and p≥1. The above organic compound is not limited, and, for example, propane and isobutane are preferred.
The content of the fluorinated hydrocarbon, halogenated organic compound represented by the above formula (A), and organic compound represented by the above formula (B) is not limited, but the total amount of these is preferably 0.5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.3% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 0.1% by mass or less based on the total amount of the refrigerant composition.
The refrigerator oil-containing working fluid of the present disclosure comprises at least the refrigerant or refrigerant composition of the present disclosure and a refrigerator oil and is used as a working fluid in a refrigeration apparatus. Specifically, the refrigerator oil-containing working fluid of the present disclosure is obtained by the mixing of a refrigerator oil used in the compressor of a refrigeration apparatus and the refrigerant or the refrigerant composition with each other.
The content of the above refrigerator oil is not limited and is usually 10 to 50% by mass, preferably 12.5 to 45% by mass, more preferably 15 to 40% by mass, further preferably 17.5 to 35% by mass, and particularly preferably 20 to 30% by mass based on the entire refrigerator oil-containing working fluid.
The composition of the present disclosure may contain one refrigerator oil alone or may contain two or more refrigerator oils.
The above refrigerator oil is not limited and can be appropriately selected from generally used refrigerator oils. At the time, a refrigerator oil which is superior in terms of miscibility with the mixture of refrigerants of the present disclosure (the mixed refrigerant of the present disclosure) and the function of improving the stability of the mixed refrigerant of the present disclosure and the like can be appropriately selected as needed.
As the base oil of the above refrigerator oil, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyalkylene glycol (PAG), a polyol ester (POE), and a polyvinyl ether (PVE) is preferred.
The above refrigerator oil may further comprise an additive in addition to the above base oil.
The above additive may be at least one selected from the group consisting of an antioxidant, an extreme pressure agent, an acid scavenger, an oxygen scavenger, a copper deactivator, a rust preventive, an oily agent, and an antifoaming agent.
As the above refrigerator oil, one having a kinematic viscosity of 5 to 400 cSt at 40° C. is preferred in terms of lubrication.
The refrigerator oil-containing working fluid of the present disclosure may further comprise at least one additive as needed. Examples of the additive include the following compatibilizing agent.
The refrigerator oil-containing working fluid of the present disclosure may contain one compatibilizing agent alone or may contain two or more compatibilizing agents.
The above compatibilizing agent is not limited and can be appropriately selected from generally used compatibilizing agents.
Examples of the above compatibilizing agent include a polyoxyalkylene glycol ether, an amide, a nitrile, a ketone, a chlorocarbon, an ester, a lactone, an aryl ether, a fluoroether, and a 1,1,1-trifluoroalkane. Among these, a polyoxyalkylene glycol ether is preferred.
The present disclosure will be described in more detail below by giving Examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these Examples.
The GWPs of the mixed refrigerants shown in Examples 1-1 to 1-3, Comparative Examples 1-1 to 1-6, and Reference Example 1-1 (R134a) were evaluated based on the values stated in the IPCC Fourth Report.
The COPs, refrigerating capacities, discharge temperatures, saturation pressures at a saturation temperature of 40° C., condensation pressures, and evaporating pressures of these mixed refrigerants were obtained by carrying out the theoretical refrigeration cycle calculations for the mixed refrigerants under the following conditions using National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Database (Refprop 9.0).
The term “Evaporating temperature 10° C.” means that the evaporating temperature of each mixed refrigerant in an evaporator provided in a refrigeration apparatus is 10° C. The term “Condensation temperature 40° C.” means that the condensation temperature of each mixed refrigerant in a condenser provided in a refrigeration apparatus is 40° C.
The results of Test Example 1-1 are shown in Table 46. Table 46 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of refrigerant 3A of the present disclosure. In Table 46, “COP ratio” and “Refrigerating capacity ratio” represent proportions (%) with respect to R134a. In Table 46, the term “Saturation pressure (40° C.)” represents saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C. In Table 46, the term “Discharge temperature (° C.)” represents the highest temperature during the refrigeration cycle in the above theoretical refrigeration cycle calculations of the mixed refrigerants.
The coefficient of performance (COP) was obtained by the following formula.
COP=(refrigerating capacity or heating capacity)/power consumption
The compression ratio was obtained by the following formula.
Compression ratio=condensation pressure (Mpa)/evaporating pressure (Mpa)
The flammability of each mixed refrigerant was determined by considering the mixing composition of the mixed refrigerant as the WCF concentration and measuring the combustion rate according to the ANSI/ASHRAE 34-2013 standard. The flammability of R134a was determined by considering the composition of R134a as the WCF concentration and measuring the combustion rate according to the ANSI/ASHRAE 34-2013 standard.
A mixed refrigerant having a combustion rate of 0 cm/s to 10 cm/s was considered to be “Class 2L (slightly flammable)”, and a mixed refrigerant having a combustion rate of more than 10 cm/s was considered to be “Class 2 (weakly flammable)”. For R134a, no flame propagation occurred, and therefore R134a was considered to be “Class 1 (nonflammable)”. In Table 46, “ASHRAE flammability classification” represents a result based on these determination criteria.
The combustion rate test was performed as follows. First, the mixed refrigerant used had a purity of 99.5% or more and was degassed by repeating the cycle of freezing, pumping, and thawing until no trace of air was observed on a vacuum gauge. The combustion rate was measured by a closed method. The initial temperature was ambient temperature. The ignition was performed by producing an electric spark between the electrodes at the center of a sample cell. The duration of the discharge was 1.0 to 9.9 ms, and the ignition energy was typically about 0.1 to 1.0 J. The spread of the flame was visualized using a schlieren photograph. A cylindrical container (inner diameter: 155 mm, length: 198 mm) equipped with two acrylic windows that transmitted light was used as the sample cell, and as the light source, a xenon lamp was used. A schlieren image of the flame was recorded at a framing rate of 600 fps by a high speed digital video camera and stored in a PC.
The flammable range of each mixed refrigerant was measured using a measuring apparatus based on ASTM E681-09 (see
Specifically, a spherical glass flask having an internal volume of 12 L was used so that the state of combustion could be visually observed and video-recorded, and the glass flask was adapted so that gas could be released from the upper lid when excessive pressure was generated by combustion. For the ignition method, a spark was generated by discharge from electrodes held at a height of ⅓ from the bottom.
<Test Conditions>
The GWPs of the mixed refrigerants shown in Examples 1-4 to 1-6, Comparative Examples 1-7 to 1-12, and Reference Example 1-2 (R134a) were evaluated based on the values stated in the IPCC Fourth Report.
The COPs, refrigerating capacities, discharge temperatures, saturation pressures at a saturation temperature of 45° C., condensation pressures, and evaporating pressures of these mixed refrigerants were obtained by carrying out the theoretical refrigeration cycle calculations for the mixed refrigerants under the following conditions using NIST Refprop 9.0.
The meanings of the above terms are the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The results of Test Example 1-2 are shown in Table 47. Table 47 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of refrigerant 3A of the present disclosure. In Table 47, the meanings of the terms are the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammability of each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1. The combustion rate test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammable range of each mixed refrigerant was measured with the same method and test conditions as in Test Example 1-1 using a measuring apparatus based on ASTM E681-09 (see
The GWPs of the mixed refrigerants shown in Examples 1-7 to 1-9, Comparative Examples 1-13 to 1-18, and Reference Example 1-3 (R134a) were evaluated based on the values in the IPCC Fourth Report.
The COPs, refrigerating capacities, discharge temperatures, saturation pressures at a saturation temperature of 40° C., condensation pressures, and evaporating pressures of these mixed refrigerants were obtained by carrying out the theoretical refrigeration cycle calculations for the mixed refrigerants under the following conditions using NIST Refprop 9.0.
The meanings of the above terms are the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The results of Test Example 1-3 are shown in Table 48. Table 48 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of refrigerant 3A of the present disclosure. In Table 48, the meanings of the terms are the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammability of each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1. The combustion rate test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammable range of each mixed refrigerant was measured with the same method and test conditions as in Test Example 1-1 using a measuring apparatus based on ASTM E681-09 (see
The GWPs of the mixed refrigerants shown in Examples 1-10 to 1-12, Comparative Examples 1-19 to 1-24, and Reference Example 1-4 (R134a) were evaluated based on the values in the IPCC Fourth Report.
The COPs, refrigerating capacities, discharge temperatures, saturation pressures at a saturation temperature of 40° C., condensation pressures, and evaporating pressures of these mixed refrigerants were obtained by carrying out the theoretical refrigeration cycle calculations for the mixed refrigerants under the following conditions using NIST Refprop 9.0.
The meanings of the above terms are the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The results of Test Example 1-4 are shown in Table 49. Table 49 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of refrigerant 3A of the present disclosure. In Table 49, the meanings of the terms are the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammability of each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1. The combustion rate test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammable range of each mixed refrigerant was measured with the same method and test conditions as in Test Example 1-1 using a measuring apparatus based on ASTM E681-09 (see
The GWPs of the mixed refrigerants shown in Examples 1-13 to 1-15, Comparative Examples 1-25 to 1-30, and Reference Example 1-5 (R134a) were evaluated based on the values in the IPCC Fourth Report.
The COPs, refrigerating capacities, discharge temperatures, saturation pressures at a saturation temperature of 40° C., condensation pressures, and evaporating pressures of these mixed refrigerants were obtained by carrying out the theoretical refrigeration cycle calculations for the mixed refrigerants under the following conditions using NIST Refprop 9.0.
The meanings of the above terms are the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The results of Test Example 1-5 are shown in Table 50. Table 50 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of refrigerant 3A of the present disclosure. In Table 50, the meanings of the terms are the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammability of each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1. The combustion rate test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammable range of each mixed refrigerant was measured with the same method and test conditions as in Test Example 1-1 using a measuring apparatus based on ASTM E681-09 (see
The GWPs of the mixed refrigerants shown in Examples 1-16 to 1-18, Comparative Examples 1-31 to 1-36, and Reference Example 1-6 (R134a) were evaluated based on the values in the IPCC Fourth Report.
The COPs, refrigerating capacities, discharge temperatures, saturation pressures at a saturation temperature of 40° C., condensation pressures, and evaporating pressures of these mixed refrigerants were obtained by carrying out the theoretical refrigeration cycle calculations for the mixed refrigerants under the following conditions using NIST Refprop 9.0.
The meanings of the above terms are the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The results of Test Example 1-6 are shown in Table 51. Table 51 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of refrigerant 3A of the present disclosure. In Table 51, the meanings of the terms are the same as in Test Example 1-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammability of each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1. The combustion rate test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1.
The flammable range of each mixed refrigerant was measured with the same method and test conditions as in Test Example 1-1 using a measuring apparatus based on ASTM E681-09 (see
The GWPs of the mixed refrigerants shown in Examples 2-1 to 2-4, Comparative Examples 2-1 to 2-6, and Reference Example 2-1 (R134a) were evaluated based on the values stated in the IPCC Fourth Report.
The COPs, refrigerating capacities, discharge temperatures, saturation pressures at a saturation temperature of 40° C., condensation pressures, and evaporating pressures of these mixed refrigerants were obtained by carrying out the theoretical refrigeration cycle calculations for the mixed refrigerants under the following conditions using National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Database (Refprop 9.0).
The term “Evaporating temperature 10° C.” means that the evaporating temperature of each mixed refrigerant in an evaporator provided in a refrigeration apparatus is 10° C. The term “Condensation temperature 40° C.” means that the condensation temperature of each mixed refrigerant in a condenser provided in a refrigeration apparatus is 40° C.
The results of Test Example 2-1 are shown in Table 52. Table 52 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of refrigerant 3B of the present disclosure. In Table 52, the terms “COP ratio” and “refrigerating capacity ratio” represent proportions (%) with respect to R134a. In Table 52, The term “Saturation pressure (40° C.)” represents saturation pressure at a saturation temperature of 40° C. In Table 52, the terms “Discharge temperature (° C.)” represents the highest temperature during the refrigeration cycle in the above refrigeration cycle theoretical calculation of the mixed refrigerants.
The coefficient of performance (COP) was obtained by the following formula.
COP=(refrigerating capacity or heating capacity)/power consumption
The compression ratio was obtained by the following formula.
Compression ratio=condensation pressure (Mpa)/evaporating pressure (Mpa)
The flammability of each mixed refrigerant was determined by considering the mixing composition of the mixed refrigerant as the WCF concentration and measuring the combustion rate according to the ANSI/ASHRAE 34-2013 standard. The flammability of R134a was determined by considering the composition of R134a as the WCF concentration and measuring the combustion rate according to the ANSI/ASHRAE 34-2013 standard.
A mixed refrigerant having a combustion rate of 0 cm/s to 10 cm/s was considered to be “Class 2L (slightly flammable)”, and a mixed refrigerant having a combustion rate of more than 10 cm/s was considered to be “Class 2 (weakly flammable)”. For R134a, no flame propagation occurred, and therefore R134a was considered to be “Class 1 (nonflammable)”. In Table 52, “ASHRAE flammability classification” represents a result based on these determination criteria.
The combustion rate test was performed as follows. First, the mixed refrigerant used had a purity of 99.5% or more and was degassed by repeating the cycle of freezing, pumping, and thawing until no trace of air was observed on a vacuum gauge. The combustion rate was measured by a closed method. The initial temperature was ambient temperature. The ignition was performed by producing an electric spark between electrodes at the center of a sample cell. The duration of the discharge was 1.0 to 9.9 ms, and the ignition energy was typically about 0.1 to 1.0 J. The spread of the flame was visualized using a schlieren photograph. A cylindrical container (inner diameter: 155 mm, length: 198 mm) equipped with two acrylic windows that transmitted light was used as the sample cell, and as the light source, a xenon lamp was used. A schlieren image of the flame was recorded at a framing rate of 600 fps by a high speed digital video camera and stored in a PC.
The flammable range of each mixed refrigerant was measured using a measuring apparatus based on ASTM E681-09 (see
Specifically, a spherical glass flask having an internal volume of 12 L was used so that the state of combustion could be visually observed and video-recorded, and the glass flask was adapted so that gas could be released from the upper lid when excessive pressure was generated by combustion. For the ignition method, a spark was generated by discharge from electrodes held at a height of ⅓ from the bottom.
<Test Conditions>
The GWPs of the mixed refrigerants shown in Examples 2-5 to 2-8, Comparative Examples 2-7 to 2-12, and Reference Example 2-2 (R134a) were evaluated based on the values stated in the IPCC Fourth Report.
The COPs, refrigerating capacities, discharge temperatures, saturation pressures at a saturation temperature of 45° C., condensation pressures, and evaporating pressures of these mixed refrigerants were obtained by carrying out the theoretical refrigeration cycle calculations for the mixed refrigerants under the following conditions using NIST Refprop 9.0.
The meanings of the above terms are the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The results of Test Example 2-2 are shown in Table 53. Table 53 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of refrigerant 3B of the present disclosure. In Table 53, the meanings of the terms are the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammability of each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1. The combustion rate test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammable range of each mixed refrigerant was measured with the same method and test conditions as in Test Example 2-1 using a measuring apparatus based on ASTM E681-09 (see
The GWPs of the mixed refrigerants shown in Examples 2-9 to 2-12, Comparative Examples 2-13 to 2-18, and Reference Example 2-3 (R134a) were evaluated based on the values stated in the IPCC Fourth Report.
The COPs, refrigerating capacities, discharge temperatures, saturation pressures at a saturation temperature of 40° C., condensation pressures, and evaporating pressures of these mixed refrigerants were obtained by carrying out the theoretical refrigeration cycle calculations for the mixed refrigerants under the following conditions using NIST Refprop 9.0.
The meanings of the above terms are the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The results of Test Example 2-3 are shown in Table 54. Table 54 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of refrigerant 3B of the present disclosure. In Table 54, the meanings of the terms are the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammability of each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1. The combustion rate test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammable range of each mixed refrigerant was measured with the same method and test conditions as in Test Example 2-1 using a measuring apparatus based on ASTM E681-09 (see
The GWPs of the mixed refrigerants shown in Examples 2-13 to 2-16, Comparative Examples 2-19 to 2-24, and Reference Example 2-4 (R134a) were evaluated based on the values in the IPCC Fourth Report.
The COPs, refrigerating capacities, discharge temperatures, saturation pressures at a saturation temperature of 40° C., condensation pressures, and evaporating pressures of these mixed refrigerants were obtained by carrying out the theoretical refrigeration cycle calculations for the mixed refrigerants under the following conditions using NIST Refprop 9.0.
The meanings of the above terms are the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The results of Test Example 2-4 are shown in Table 55. Table 55 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of refrigerant 3B of the present disclosure. In Table 55, the meanings of the terms are the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammability of each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1. The combustion rate test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammable range of each mixed refrigerant was measured with the same method and test conditions as in Test Example 2-1 using a measuring apparatus based on ASTM E681-09 (see
The GWPs of the mixed refrigerants shown in Examples 2-17 to 2-20, Comparative Examples 2-25 to 2-30, and Reference Example 2-5 (R134a) were evaluated based on the values in the IPCC Fourth Report.
The COPs, refrigerating capacities, discharge temperatures, saturation pressures at a saturation temperature of 40° C., condensation pressures, and evaporating pressures of these mixed refrigerants were obtained by carrying out the theoretical refrigeration cycle calculations for the mixed refrigerants under the following conditions using NIST Refprop 9.0.
The meanings of the above terms are the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The results of Test Example 2-5 are shown in Table 56. Table 56 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of refrigerant 3B of the present disclosure. In Table 56, the meanings of the terms are the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammability of each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1. The combustion rate test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammable range of each mixed refrigerant was measured with the same method and test conditions as in Test Example 2-1 using a measuring apparatus based on ASTM E681-09 (see
The GWPs of the mixed refrigerants shown in Examples 2-21 to 2-24, Comparative Examples 2-31 to 2-36, and Reference Example 2-6 (R134a) were evaluated based on the values in the IPCC Fourth Report.
The COPs, refrigerating capacities, discharge temperatures, saturation pressures at a saturation temperature of 40° C., condensation pressures, and evaporating pressures of these mixed refrigerants were obtained by carrying out the theoretical refrigeration cycle calculations for the mixed refrigerants under the following conditions using NIST Refprop 9.0.
The meanings of the above terms are the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The results of Test Example 2-6 are shown in Table 57. Table 57 shows Examples and Comparative Examples of refrigerant 3B of the present disclosure. In Table 57, the meanings of the terms are the same as in Test Example 2-1.
The coefficient of performance (COP) and the compression ratio were obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammability of each mixed refrigerant was determined in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1. The combustion rate test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1.
The flammable range of each mixed refrigerant was measured with the same method and test conditions as in Test Example 2-1 using a measuring apparatus based on ASTM E681-09 (see
A refrigerating oil can improve the lubricity in the refrigeration cycle apparatus and can also achieve efficient cycle performance by performing a refrigeration cycle such as a refrigeration cycle together with a refrigerant composition.
Examples of the refrigerating oil include oxygen-containing synthetic oils (e.g., ester-type refrigerating oils and ether-type refrigerating oils) and hydrocarbon refrigerating oils. In particular, ester-type refrigerating oils and ether-type refrigerating oils are preferred from the viewpoint of miscibility with refrigerants or refrigerant compositions. The refrigerating oils may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The kinematic viscosity of the refrigerating oil at 40° C. is preferably 1 mm2/s or more and 750 mm2/s or less and more preferably 1 mm2/s or more and 400 mm2/s or less from at least one of the viewpoints of suppressing the deterioration of the lubricity and the hermeticity of compressors, achieving sufficient miscibility with refrigerants under low-temperature conditions, suppressing the lubrication failure of compressors, and improving the heat exchange efficiency of evaporators. Herein, the kinematic viscosity of the refrigerating oil at 100° C. may be, for example, 1 mm2/s or more and 100 mm2/s or less and is more preferably 1 mm2/s or more and 50 mm2/s or less.
The refrigerating oil preferably has an aniline point of −100° C. or higher and 0° C. or lower. The term “aniline point” herein refers to a numerical value indicating the solubility of, for example, a hydrocarbon solvent, that is, refers to a temperature at which when equal volumes of a sample (herein, refrigerating oil) and aniline are mixed with each other and cooled, turbidity appears because of their immiscibility (provided in JIS K 2256). Note that this value is a value of the refrigerating oil itself in a state in which the refrigerant is not dissolved. By using a refrigerating oil having such an aniline point, for example, even when bearings constituting resin functional components and insulating materials for electric motors are used at positions in contact with the refrigerating oil, the suitability of the refrigerating oil for the resin functional components can be improved. Specifically, if the aniline point is excessively low, the refrigerating oil readily infiltrates the bearings and the insulating materials, and thus the bearings and the like tend to swell. On the other hand, if the aniline point is excessively high, the refrigerating oil does not readily infiltrate the bearings and the insulating materials, and thus the bearings and the like tend to shrink. Accordingly, the deformation of the bearings and the insulating materials due to swelling or shrinking can be prevented by using the refrigerating oil having an aniline point within the above-described predetermined range (−100° C. or higher and 0° C. or lower). If the bearings deform through swelling, the desired length of a gap at a sliding portion cannot be maintained. This may result in an increase in sliding resistance. If the bearings deform through shrinking, the hardness of the bearings increases, and consequently the bearings may be broken because of vibration of a compressor. In other words, the deformation of the bearings through shrinking may decrease the rigidity of the sliding portion. Furthermore, if the insulating materials (e.g., insulating coating materials and insulating films) of electric motors deform through swelling, the insulating properties of the insulating materials deteriorate. If the insulating materials deform through shrinking, the insulating materials may also be broken as in the case of the bearings, which also deteriorates the insulating properties. In contrast, when the refrigerating oil having an aniline point within the predetermined range is used as described above, the deformation of bearings and insulating materials due to swelling or shrinking can be suppressed, and thus such a problem can be avoided.
The refrigerating oil is used as a working fluid for a refrigerating machine by being mixed with a refrigerant composition. The content of the refrigerating oil relative to the whole amount of working fluid for a refrigerating machine is preferably 5 mass % or more and 60 mass % or less and more preferably 10 mass % or more and 50 mass % or less.
(2-1) Oxygen-Based Synthetic Oil
(2-1) Oxygen-containing synthetic oil
An ester-type refrigerating oil or an ether-type refrigerating oil serving as an oxygen-containing synthetic oil is mainly constituted by carbon atoms and oxygen atoms. In the ester-type refrigerating oil or the ether-type refrigerating oil, an excessively low ratio (carbon/oxygen molar ratio) of carbon atoms to oxygen atoms increases the hygroscopicity, and an excessively high ratio of carbon atoms to oxygen atoms deteriorates the miscibility with a refrigerant. Therefore, the molar ratio is preferably 2 or more and 7.5 or less.
(2-1-1) Ester-Based Refrigerating Machine Oil
Examples of base oil components of the ester-type refrigerating oil include dibasic acid ester oils of a dibasic acid and a monohydric alcohol, polyol ester oils of a polyol and a fatty acid, complex ester oils of a polyol, a polybasic acid, and a monohydric alcohol (or a fatty acid), and polyol carbonate oils from the viewpoint of chemical stability.
The dibasic acid ester oil is preferably an ester of a dibasic acid such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, or terephthalic acid, in particular, a dibasic acid having 5 to 10 carbon atoms (e.g., glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, or sebacic acid) and a monohydric alcohol having a linear or branched alkyl group and having 1 to 15 carbon atoms (e.g., methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, heptanol, octanol, nonanol, decanol, undecanol, dodecanol, tridecanol, tetradecanol, or pentadecanol). Specific examples of the dibasic acid ester oil include ditridecyl glutarate, di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, diisodecyl adipate, ditridecyl adipate, and di(3-ethylhexyl) sebacate.
The polyol ester oil is an ester synthesized from a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid (carboxylic acid), and has a carbon/oxygen molar ratio of 2 or more and 7.5 or less, preferably 3.2 or more and 5.8 or less.
The polyhydric alcohol constituting the polyol ester oil is a diol (e.g., ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, neopentyl glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,7-heptanediol, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, 1,10-decanediol, 1,11-undecanediol, or 1,12-dodecanediol) or a polyol having 3 to 20 hydroxyl groups (trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolbutane, di-(trimethylolpropane), tri-(trimethylolpropane), pentaerythritol, di-(pentaerythritol), tri-(pentaerythritol), glycerol, polyglycerol (glycerol dimer or trimer), 1,3,5-pentanetriol, sorbitol, sorbitan, a sorbitol-glycerol condensate, a polyhydric alcohol such as adonitol, arabitol, xylitol, or mannitol, a saccharide such as xylose, arabinose, ribose, rhamnose, glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, sorbose, cellobiose, maltose, isomaltose, trehalose, sucrose, raffinose, gentianose, or melezitose, or a partially etherified product of the foregoing). One or two or more polyhydric alcohols may constitute an ester.
For the fatty acid constituting the polyol ester, the number of carbon atoms is not limited, but is normally 1 to 24. A linear fatty acid or a branched fatty acid is preferred. Examples of the linear fatty acid include acetic acid, propionic acid, butanoic acid, pentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tridecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, nonadecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid. The hydrocarbon group that bonds to a carboxy group may have only a saturated hydrocarbon or may have an unsaturated hydrocarbon. Examples of the branched fatty acid include 2-methylpropionic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, 2,2-dimethylpropionic acid, 2-methylpentanoic acid, 3-methylpentanoic acid, 4-methylpentanoic acid, 2,2-dimethylbutanoic acid, 2,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, 2-methylhexanoic acid, 3-methylhexanoic acid, 4-methylhexanoic acid, 5-methylhexanoic acid, 2,2-dimethylpentanoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpentanoic acid, 2,4-dimethylpentanoic acid, 3,3-dimethylpentanoic acid, 3,4-dimethylpentanoic acid, 4,4-dimethylpentanoic acid, 2-ethylpentanoic acid, 3-ethylpentanoic acid, 2,2,3-trimethylbutanoic acid, 2,3,3-trimethylbutanoic acid, 2-ethyl-2-methylbutanoic acid, 2-ethyl-3-methylbutanoic acid, 2-methylheptanoic acid, 3-methylheptanoic acid, 4-methylheptanoic acid, 5-methylheptanoic acid, 6-methylheptanoic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 3-ethylhexanoic acid, 4-ethylhexanoic acid, 2,2-dimethylhexanoic acid, 2,3-dimethylhexanoic acid, 2,4-dimethylhexanoic acid, 2,5-dimethylhexanoic acid, 3,3-dimethylhexanoic acid, 3,4-dimethylhexanoic acid, 3,5-dimethylhexanoic acid, 4,4-dimethylhexanoic acid, 4,5-dimethylhexanoic acid, 5,5-dimethylhexanoic acid, 2-propylpentanoic acid, 2-methyloctanoic acid, 3-methyloctanoic acid, 4-methyloctanoic acid, 5-methyloctanoic acid, 6-methyloctanoic acid, 7-methyloctanoic acid, 2,2-dimethylheptanoic acid, 2,3-dimethylheptanoic acid, 2,4-dimethylheptanoic acid, 2,5-dimethylheptanoic acid, 2,6-dimethylheptanoic acid, 3,3-dimethylheptanoic acid, 3,4-dimethylheptanoic acid, 3,5-dimethylheptanoic acid, 3,6-dimethylheptanoic acid, 4,4-dimethylheptanoic acid, 4,5-dimethylheptanoic acid, 4,6-dimethylheptanoic acid, 5,5-dimethylheptanoic acid, 5,6-dimethylheptanoic acid, 6,6-dimethylheptanoic acid, 2-methyl-2-ethylhexanoic acid, 2-methyl-3-ethylhexanoic acid, 2-methyl-4-ethylhexanoic acid, 3-methyl-2-ethylhexanoic acid, 3-methyl-3-ethylhexanoic acid, 3-methyl-4-ethylhexanoic acid, 4-methyl-2-ethylhexanoic acid, 4-methyl-3-ethylhexanoic acid, 4-methyl-4-ethylhexanoic acid, 5-methyl-2-ethylhexanoic acid, 5-methyl-3-ethylhexanoic acid, 5-methyl-4-ethylhexanoic acid, 2-ethylheptanoic acid, 3-methyloctanoic acid, 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-2,3,3-trimethylbutyric acid, 2,2,4,4-tetramethylpentanoic acid, 2,2,3,3-tetramethylpentanoic acid, 2,2,3,4-tetramethylpentanoic acid, and 2,2-diisopropylpropanoic acid. One or two or more fatty acids selected from the foregoing may constitute an ester.
One polyhydric alcohol may be used to constitute an ester or a mixture of two or more polyhydric alcohols may be used to constitute an ester. The fatty acid constituting an ester may be a single component, or two or more fatty acids may constitute an ester. The fatty acids may be individual fatty acids of the same type or may be two or more types of fatty acids as a mixture. The polyol ester oil may have a free hydroxyl group.
Specifically, the polyol ester oil is more preferably an ester of a hindered alcohol such as neopentyl glycol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolbutane, di-(trimethylolpropane), tri-(trimethylolpropane), pentaerythritol, di-(pentaerythritol), or tri-(pentaerythritol); further preferably an ester of neopentyl glycol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolbutane, pentaerythritol, or di-(pentaerythritol); and preferably an ester of neopentyl glycol, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, di-(pentaerythritol), or the like and a fatty acid having 2 to 20 carbon atoms.
The fatty acid constituting such a polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester may be only a fatty acid having a linear alkyl group or may be selected from fatty acids having a branched structure. A mixed ester of linear and branched fatty acids may be employed. Furthermore, two or more fatty acids selected from the above fatty acids may be used to constitute an ester.
Specifically, for example, in the case of a mixed ester of linear and branched fatty acids, the molar ratio of a linear fatty acid having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and a branched fatty acid having 7 to 9 carbon atoms is 15:85 to 90:10, preferably 15:85 to 85:15, more preferably 20:80 to 80:20, further preferably 25:75 to 75:25, and most preferably 30:70 to 70:30. The total content of the linear fatty acid having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and the branched fatty acid having 7 to 9 carbon atoms relative to the whole amount of fatty acid constituting the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester is preferably 20 mol % or more. The fatty acid preferably has such a composition that both of sufficient miscibility with a refrigerant and viscosity required as a refrigerating oil are achieved. The content of a fatty acid herein refers to a value relative to the whole amount of fatty acid constituting the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester contained in the refrigerating oil.
In particular, the refrigerating oil preferably contains an ester (hereafter referred to as a “polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A)”) in which the molar ratio of the fatty acid having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and the branched fatty acid having 7 to 9 carbon atoms is 15:85 to 90:10, the fatty acid having 4 to 6 carbon atoms contains 2-methylpropionic acid, and the total content of the fatty acid having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and the branched fatty acid having 7 to 9 carbon atoms relative to the whole amount of fatty acid constituting the above ester is 20 mol % or more.
The polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) includes a complete ester in which all hydroxyl groups of a polyhydric alcohol are esterified, a partial ester in which some hydroxyl groups of a polyhydric alcohol are left without being esterified, and a mixture of a complete ester and a partial ester. The hydroxyl value of the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) is preferably 10 mgKOH/g or less, more preferably 5 mgKOH/g or less, and most preferably 3 mgKOH/g or less.
For the fatty acid constituting the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A), the molar ratio of the fatty acid having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and the branched fatty acid having 7 to 9 carbon atoms is 15:85 to 90:10, preferably 15:85 to 85:15, more preferably 20:80 to 80:20, further preferably 25:75 to 75:25, and most preferably 30:70 to 70:30. The total content of the fatty acid having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and the branched fatty acid having 7 to 9 carbon atoms relative to the whole amount of fatty acid constituting the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) is 20 mol % or more. In the case where the above conditions for the composition of the fatty acid are not satisfied, if difluoromethane is contained in the refrigerant composition, both of sufficient miscibility with the difluoromethane and viscosity required as a refrigerating oil are not easily achieved at high levels. The content of a fatty acid refers to a value relative to the whole amount of fatty acid constituting the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester contained in the refrigerating oil.
Specific examples of the fatty acid having 4 to 6 carbon atoms include butanoic acid, 2-methylpropionic acid, pentanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, 2,2-dimethylpropionic acid, 2-methylpentanoic acid, 3-methylpentanoic acid, 4-methylpentanoic acid, 2,2-dimethylbutanoic acid, 2,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, and hexanoic acid. Among them, a fatty acid having a branched structure at an alkyl skeleton, such as 2-methylpropionic acid, is preferred.
Specific examples of the branched fatty acid having 7 to 9 carbon atoms include 2-methylhexanoic acid, 3-methylhexanoic acid, 4-methylhexanoic acid, 5-methylhexanoic acid, 2,2-dimethylpentanoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpentanoic acid, 2,4-dimethylpentanoic acid, 3,3-dimethylpentanoic acid, 3,4-dimethylpentanoic acid, 4,4-dimethylpentanoic acid, 2-ethylpentanoic acid, 3-ethylpentanoic acid, 1,1,2-trimethylbutanoic acid, 1,2,2-trimethylbutanoic acid, 1-ethyl-1-methylbutanoic acid, 1-ethyl-2-methylbutanoic acid, octanoic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 3-ethylhexanoic acid, 3,5-dimethylhexanoic acid, 2,4-dimethylhexanoic acid, 3,4-dimethylhexanoic acid, 4,5-dimethylhexanoic acid, 2,2-dimethylhexanoic acid, 2-methylheptanoic acid, 3-methylheptanoic acid, 4-methylheptanoic acid, 5-methylheptanoic acid, 6-methylheptanoic acid, 2-propylpentanoic acid, nonanoic acid, 2,2-dimethylheptanoic acid, 2-methyloctanoic acid, 2-ethylheptanoic acid, 3-methyloctanoic acid, 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-2,3,3-trimethylbutyric acid, 2,2,4,4-tetramethylpentanoic acid, 2,2,3,3-tetramethylpentanoic acid, 2,2,3,4-tetramethylpentanoic acid, and 2,2-diisopropylpropanoic acid.
The polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) may contain, as an acid constituent component, a fatty acid other than the fatty acid having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and the branched fatty acid having 7 to 9 carbon atoms as long as the molar ratio of the fatty acid having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and the branched fatty acid having 7 to 9 carbon atoms is 15:85 to 90:10 and the fatty acid having 4 to 6 carbon atoms contains 2-methylpropionic acid.
Specific examples of the fatty acid other than the fatty acid having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and the branched fatty acid having 7 to 9 carbon atoms include fatty acids having 2 or 3 carbon atoms, such as acetic acid and propionic acid; linear fatty acids having 7 to 9 carbon atoms, such as heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, and nonanoic acid; and fatty acids having 10 to carbon atoms, such as decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tridecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, nonadecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, and oleic acid.
When the fatty acid having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and the branched fatty acid having 7 to 9 carbon atoms are used in combination with fatty acids other than these fatty acids, the total content of the fatty acid having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and the branched fatty acid having 7 to 9 carbon atoms relative to the whole amount of fatty acid constituting the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) is preferably 20 mol % or more, more preferably 25 mol % or more, and further preferably 30 mol % or more. When the content is 20 mol % or more, sufficient miscibility with difluoromethane is achieved in the case where the difluoromethane is contained in the refrigerant composition.
A polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) containing, as acid constituent components, only 2-methylpropionic acid and 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid is particularly preferred from the viewpoint of achieving both necessary viscosity and miscibility with difluoromethane in the case where the difluoromethane is contained in the refrigerant composition.
The polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester may be a mixture of two or more esters having different molecular structures. In this case, individual molecules do not necessarily satisfy the above conditions as long as the whole fatty acid constituting a pentaerythritol fatty acid ester contained in the refrigerating oil satisfies the above conditions.
As described above, the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) contains the fatty acid having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and the branched fatty acid having 7 to 9 carbon atoms as essential acid components constituting the ester and may optionally contain other fatty acids as constituent components. In other words, the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) may contain only two fatty acids as acid constituent components or three or more fatty acids having different structures as acid constituent components, but the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester preferably contains, as an acid constituent component, only a fatty acid whose carbon atom (α-position carbon atom) adjacent to carbonyl carbon is not quaternary carbon. If the fatty acid constituting the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester contains a fatty acid whose α-position carbon atom is quaternary carbon, the lubricity in the presence of difluoromethane in the case where the difluoromethane is contained in the refrigerant composition tends to be insufficient.
The polyhydric alcohol constituting the polyol ester according to this embodiment is preferably a polyhydric alcohol having 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups.
Specific examples of the dihydric alcohol (diol) include ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, neopentyl glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,7-heptanediol, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, 1,10-decanediol, 1,11-undecanediol, and 1,12-dodecanediol. Specific examples of the trihydric or higher alcohol include polyhydric alcohols such as trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolbutane, di-(trimethylolpropane), tri-(trimethylolpropane), pentaerythritol, di-(pentaerythritol), tri-(pentaerythritol), glycerol, polyglycerol (glycerol dimer or trimer), 1,3,5-pentanetriol, sorbitol, sorbitan, sorbitol glycerol condensates, adonitol, arabitol, xylitol, and mannitol; saccharides such as xylose, arabinose, ribose, rhamnose, glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, sorbose, and cellobiose; and partially etherified products of the foregoing. Among them, in terms of better hydrolysis stability, an ester of a hindered alcohol such as neopentyl glycol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolbutane, di-(trimethylolpropane), tri-(trimethylolpropane), pentaerythritol, di-(pentaerythritol), or tri-(pentaerythritol) is preferably used; an ester of neopentyl glycol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolbutane, pentaerythritol, or di-(pentaerythritol) is more preferably used; and neopentyl glycol, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, or di-(pentaerythritol) is further preferably used. In terms of excellent miscibility with a refrigerant and excellent hydrolysis stability, a mixed ester of pentaerythritol, di-(pentaerythritol), or pentaerythritol and di-(pentaerythritol) is most preferably used.
Preferred examples of the acid constituent component constituting the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) are as follows:
Further preferred examples of the acid constituent component constituting the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester are as follows:
The content of the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) is 50 mass % or more, preferably 60 mass % or more, more preferably 70 mass % or more, and further preferably 75 mass % or more relative to the whole amount of the refrigerating oil. The refrigerating oil according to this embodiment may contain a lubricating base oil other than the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) and additives as described later. However, if the content of the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) is less than 50 mass %, necessary viscosity and miscibility cannot be achieved at high levels.
In the refrigerating oil according to this embodiment, the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) is mainly used as a base oil. The base oil of the refrigerating oil according to this embodiment may be a polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) alone (i.e., the content of the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) is 100 mass %). However, in addition to the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A), a base oil other than the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) may be further contained to the degree that the excellent performance of the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) is not impaired. Examples of the base oil other than the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) include hydrocarbon oils such as mineral oils, olefin polymers, alkyldiphenylalkanes, alkylnaphthalenes, and alkylbenzenes; and esters other than the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A), such as polyol esters, complex esters, and alicyclic dicarboxylic acid esters, and oxygen-containing synthetic oils (hereafter, may be referred to as “other oxygen-containing synthetic oils”) such as polyglycols, polyvinyl ethers, ketones, polyphenyl ethers, silicones, polysiloxanes, and perfluoroethers.
Among them, the oxygen-containing synthetic oil is preferably an ester other than the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A), a polyglycol, or a polyvinyl ether and particularly preferably a polyol ester other than the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A). The polyol ester other than the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) is an ester of a fatty acid and a polyhydric alcohol such as neopentyl glycol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolbutane, pentaerythritol, or dipentaerythritol and is particularly preferably an ester of neopentyl glycol and a fatty acid, an ester of pentaerythritol and a fatty acid, or an ester of dipentaerythritol and a fatty acid.
The neopentyl glycol ester is preferably an ester of neopentyl glycol and a fatty acid having 5 to 9 carbon atoms. Specific examples of the neopentyl glycol ester include neopentyl glycol di(3,5,5-trimethylhexanoate), neopentyl glycol di(2-ethylhexanoate), neopentyl glycol di(2-methylhexanoate), neopentyl glycol di(2-ethylpentanoate), an ester of neopentyl glycol and 2-methylhexanoic acid-2-ethylpentanoic acid, an ester of neopentyl glycol and 3-methylhexanoic acid-5-methylhexanoic acid, an ester of neopentyl glycol and 2-methylhexanoic acid-2-ethylhexanoic acid, an ester of neopentyl glycol and 3,5-dimethylhexanoic acid-4,5-dimethylhexanoic acid-3,4-dimethylhexanoic acid, neopentyl glycol dipentanoate, neopentyl glycol di(2-ethylbutanoate), neopentyl glycol di(2-methylpentanoate), neopentyl glycol di(2-methylbutanoate), and neopentyl glycol di(3-methylbutanoate).
The pentaerythritol ester is preferably an ester of pentaerythritol and a fatty acid having 5 to 9 carbon atoms. The pentaerythritol ester is, specifically, an ester of pentaerythritol and at least one fatty acid selected from pentanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 2-methylpentanoic acid, 2-ethylbutanoic acid, 2-ethylpentanoic acid, 2-methylhexanoic acid, 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid, and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
The dipentaerythritol ester is preferably an ester of dipentaerythritol and a fatty acid having 5 to 9 carbon atoms. The dipentaerythritol ester is, specifically, an ester of dipentaerythritol and at least one fatty acid selected from pentanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 2-methylpentanoic acid, 2-ethylbutanoic acid, 2-ethylpentanoic acid, 2-methylhexanoic acid, 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid, and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
When the refrigerating oil according to this embodiment contains an oxygen-containing synthetic oil other than the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A), the content of the oxygen-containing synthetic oil other than the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) is not limited as long as excellent lubricity and miscibility of the refrigerating oil according to this embodiment are not impaired. When a polyol ester other than the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) is contained, the content of the polyol ester is preferably less than 50 mass %, more preferably 45 mass % or less, still more preferably 40 mass % or less, even more preferably 35 mass % or less, further preferably 30 mass % or less, and most preferably 25 mass % or less relative to the whole amount of the refrigerating oil. When an oxygen-containing synthetic oil other than the polyol ester is contained, the content of the oxygen-containing synthetic oil is preferably less than 50 mass %, more preferably 40 mass % or less, and further preferably 30 mass % or less relative to the whole amount of the refrigerating oil. If the content of the polyol ester other than the pentaerythritol fatty acid ester or the oxygen-containing synthetic oil is excessively high, the above-described effects are not sufficiently produced.
The polyol ester other than the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) may be a partial ester in which some hydroxyl groups of a polyhydric alcohol are left without being esterified, a complete ester in which all hydroxyl groups are esterified, or a mixture of a partial ester and a complete ester. The hydroxyl value is preferably 10 mgKOH/g or less, more preferably 5 mgKOH/g or less, and most preferably 3 mgKOH/g or less.
When the refrigerating oil and the working fluid for a refrigerating machine according to this embodiment contain a polyol ester other than the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A), the polyol ester may contain one polyol ester having a single structure or a mixture of two or more polyol esters having different structures.
The polyol ester other than the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) may be any of an ester of one fatty acid and one polyhydric alcohol, an ester of two or more fatty acids and one polyhydric alcohol, an ester of one fatty acid and two or more polyhydric alcohols, and an ester of two or more fatty acids and two or more polyhydric alcohols.
The refrigerating oil according to this embodiment may be constituted by only the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) or by the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) and other base oils. The refrigerating oil may further contain various additives described later. The working fluid for a refrigerating machine according to this embodiment may also further contain various additives. In the following description, the content of additives is expressed relative to the whole amount of the refrigerating oil, but the content of these components in the working fluid for a refrigerating machine is desirably determined so that the content is within the preferred range described later when expressed relative to the whole amount of the refrigerating oil.
To further improve the abrasion resistance and load resistance of the refrigerating oil and the working fluid for a refrigerating machine according to this embodiment, at least one phosphorus compound selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid esters, acidic phosphoric acid esters, thiophosphoric acid esters, amine salts of acidic phosphoric acid esters, chlorinated phosphoric acid esters, and phosphorous acid esters can be added. These phosphorus compounds are esters of phosphoric acid or phosphorous acid and alkanol or polyether-type alcohol, or derivatives thereof.
Specific examples of the phosphoric acid ester include tributyl phosphate, tripentyl phosphate, trihexyl phosphate, triheptyl phosphate, trioctyl phosphate, trinonyl phosphate, tridecyl phosphate, triundecyl phosphate, tridodecyl phosphate, tritridecyl phosphate, tritetradecyl phosphate, tripentadecyl phosphate, trihexadecyl phosphate, triheptadecyl phosphate, trioctadecyl phosphate, trioleyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, trixylenyl phosphate, cresyldiphenyl phosphate, and xylenyldiphenyl phosphate.
Examples of the acidic phosphoric acid ester include monobutyl acid phosphate, monopentyl acid phosphate, monohexyl acid phosphate, monoheptyl acid phosphate, monooctyl acid phosphate, monononyl acid phosphate, monodecyl acid phosphate, monoundecyl acid phosphate, monododecyl acid phosphate, monotridecyl acid phosphate, monotetradecyl acid phosphate, monopentadecyl acid phosphate, monohexadecyl acid phosphate, monoheptadecyl acid phosphate, monooctadecyl acid phosphate, monooleyl acid phosphate, dibutyl acid phosphate, dipentyl acid phosphate, dihexyl acid phosphate, diheptyl acid phosphate, dioctyl acid phosphate, dinonyl acid phosphate, didecyl acid phosphate, diundecyl acid phosphate, didodecyl acid phosphate, ditridecyl acid phosphate, ditetradecyl acid phosphate, dipentadecyl acid phosphate, dihexadecyl acid phosphate, diheptadecyl acid phosphate, dioctadecyl acid phosphate, and dioleyl acid phosphate.
Examples of the thiophosphoric acid ester include tributyl phosphorothionate, tripentyl phosphorothionate, trihexyl phosphorothionate, triheptyl phosphorothionate, trioctyl phosphorothionate, trinonyl phosphorothionate, tridecyl phosphorothionate, triundecyl phosphorothionate, tridodecyl phosphorothionate, tritridecyl phosphorothionate, tritetradecyl phosphorothionate, tripentadecyl phosphorothionate, trihexadecyl phosphorothionate, triheptadecyl phosphorothionate, trioctadecyl phosphorothionate, trioleyl phosphorothionate, triphenyl phosphorothionate, tricresyl phosphorothionate, trixylenyl phosphorothionate, cresyldiphenyl phosphorothionate, and xylenyldiphenyl phosphorothionate.
The amine salt of an acidic phosphoric acid ester is an amine salt of an acidic phosphoric acid ester and a primary, secondary, or tertiary amine that has a linear or branched alkyl group and that has 1 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 5 to 18 carbon atoms.
For the amine constituting the amine salt of an acidic phosphoric acid ester, the amine salt is a salt of an amine such as a linear or branched methylamine, ethylamine, propylamine, butylamine, pentylamine, hexylamine, heptylamine, octylamine, nonylamine, decylamine, undecylamine, dodecylamine, tridecylamine, tetradecylamine, pentadecylamine, hexadecylamine, heptadecylamine, octadecylamine, oleylamine, tetracosylamine, dimethylamine, diethylamine, dipropylamine, dibutylamine, dipentylamine, dihexylamine, diheptylamine, dioctylamine, dinonylamine, didecylamine, diundecylamine, didodecylamine, ditridecylamine, ditetradecylamine, dipentadecylamine, dihexadecylamine, diheptadecylamine, dioctadecylamine, dioleylamine, ditetracosylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, tributylamine, tripentylamine, trihexylamine, triheptylamine, trioctylamine, trinonylamine, tridecylamine, triundecylamine, tridodecylamine, tritridecylamine, tritetradecylamine, tripentadecylamine, trihexadecylamine, triheptadecylamine, trioctadecylamine, trioleylamine, or tritetracosylamine. The amine may be a single compound or a mixture of two or more compounds.
Examples of the chlorinated phosphoric acid ester include tris(dichloropropyl) phosphate, tris(chloroethyl) phosphate, tris(chlorophenyl) phosphate, and polyoxyalkylene-bis[di(chloroaklyl)] phosphate. Examples of the phosphorous acid ester include dibutyl phosphite, dipentyl phosphite, dihexyl phosphite, diheptyl phosphite, dioctyl phosphite, dinonyl phosphite, didecyl phosphite, diundecyl phosphite, didodecyl phosphite, dioleyl phosphite, diphenyl phosphite, dicresyl phosphite, tributyl phosphite, tripentyl phosphite, trihexyl phosphite, triheptyl phosphite, trioctyl phosphite, trinonyl phosphite, tridecyl phosphite, triundecyl phosphite, tridodecyl phosphite, trioleyl phosphite, triphenyl phosphite, and tricresyl phosphite. Mixtures of these compounds can also be used.
When the refrigerating oil and the working fluid for a refrigerating machine according to this embodiment contain the above-described phosphorus compound, the content of the phosphorus compound is not limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 5.0 mass % and more preferably 0.02 to 3.0 mass % relative to the whole amount of the refrigerating oil (relative to the total amount of the base oil and all the additives). The above-described phosphorus compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The refrigerating oil and the working fluid for a refrigerating machine according to this embodiment may contain a terpene compound to further improve the thermal and chemical stability. The “terpene compound” in the present invention refers to a compound obtained by polymerizing isoprene and a derivative thereof, and a dimer to an octamer of isoprene are preferably used. Specific examples of the terpene compound include monoterpenes such as geraniol, nerol, linalool, citral (including geranial), citronellol, menthol, limonene, terpinerol, carvone, ionone, thujone, camphor, and borneol; sesquiterpenes such as farnesene, farnesol, nerolidol, juvenile hormone, humulene, caryophyllene, elemene, cadinol, cadinene, and tutin; diterpenes such as geranylgeraniol, phytol, abietic acid, pimaragen, daphnetoxin, taxol, and pimaric acid; sesterterpenes such as geranylfarnesene; triterpenes such as squalene, limonin, camelliagenin, hopane, and lanosterol; and tetraterpenes such as carotenoid.
Among these terpene compounds, the terpene compound is preferably monoterpene, sesquiterpene, or diterpene, more preferably sesquiterpene, and particularly preferably α-farnesene (3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-1,3,6,10-tetraene) and/or β-farnesene (7,11-dimethyl-3-methylidenedodeca-1,6,10-triene). In the present invention, the terpene compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The content of the terpene compound in the refrigerating oil according to this embodiment is not limited, but is preferably 0.001 to 10 mass %, more preferably 0.01 to 5 mass %, and further preferably 0.05 to 3 mass % relative to the whole amount of the refrigerating oil. If the content of the terpene compound is less than 0.001 mass %, an effect of improving the thermal and chemical stability tends to be insufficient. If the content is more than 10 mass %, the lubricity tends to be insufficient. The content of the terpene compound in the working fluid for a refrigerating machine according to this embodiment is desirably determined so that the content is within the above preferred range when expressed relative to the whole amount of the refrigerating oil.
The refrigerating oil and the working fluid for a refrigerating machine according to this embodiment may contain at least one epoxy compound selected from phenyl glycidyl ether-type epoxy compounds, alkyl glycidyl ether-type epoxy compounds, glycidyl ester-type epoxy compounds, allyloxirane compounds, alkyloxirane compounds, alicyclic epoxy compounds, epoxidized fatty acid monoesters, and epoxidized vegetable oils to further improve the thermal and chemical stability.
Specific examples of the phenyl glycidyl ether-type epoxy compound include phenyl glycidyl ether and alkylphenyl glycidyl ethers. The alkylphenyl glycidyl ether herein is an alkylphenyl glycidyl ether having 1 to 3 alkyl groups with 1 to 13 carbon atoms. In particular, the alkylphenyl glycidyl ether is preferably an alkylphenyl glycidyl ether having one alkyl group with 4 to 10 carbon atoms, such as n-butylphenyl glycidyl ether, i-butylphenyl glycidyl ether, sec-butylphenyl glycidyl ether, tert-butylphenyl glycidyl ether, pentylphenyl glycidyl ether, hexylphenyl glycidyl ether, heptylphenyl glycidyl ether, octylphenyl glycidyl ether, nonylphenyl glycidyl ether, or decylphenyl glycidyl ether.
Specific examples of the alkyl glycidyl ether-type epoxy compound include decyl glycidyl ether, undecyl glycidyl ether, dodecyl glycidyl ether, tridecyl glycidyl ether, tetradecyl glycidyl ether, 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether, pentaerythritol tetraglycidyl ether, 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether, sorbitol polyglycidyl ether, polyalkylene glycol monoglycidyl ether, and polyalkylene glycol diglycidyl ether.
Specific examples of the glycidyl ester-type epoxy compound include phenyl glycidyl ester, alkyl glycidyl esters, and alkenyl glycidyl esters. Preferred examples of the glycidyl ester-type epoxy compound include glycidyl-2,2-dimethyloctanoate, glycidyl benzoate, glycidyl acrylate, and glycidyl methacrylate.
Specific examples of the allyloxirane compound include 1,2-epoxystyrene and alkyl-1,2-epoxystyrenes.
Specific examples of the alkyloxirane compound include 1,2-epoxybutane, 1,2-epoxypentane, 1,2-epoxyhexane, 1,2-epoxyheptane, 1,2-epoxyoctane, 1,2-epoxynonane, 1,2-epoxydecane, 1,2-epoxyundecane, 1,2-epoxydodecane, 1,2-epoxytridecane, 1,2-epoxytetradecane, 1,2-epoxypentadecane, 1,2-epoxyhexadecane, 1,2-epoxyheptadecane, 1,1,2-epoxyoctadecane, 2-epoxynonadecane, and 1,2-epoxyeicosane.
Specific examples of the alicyclic epoxy compound include 1,2-epoxycyclohexane, 1,2-epoxycyclopentane, 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3,4-epoxycyclohexane carboxylate, bis(3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl) adipate, exo-2,3-epoxynorbornane, bis(3,4-epoxy-6-methylcyclohexylmethyl) adipate, 2-(7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]hept-3-yl)-spiro(1,3-dioxane-5,3′-[7]oxabicyclo[4.1.0]heptane, 4-(1′-methylepoxyethyl)-1,2-epoxy-2-methylcyclohexane, and 4-epoxyethyl-1,2-epoxycyclohexane.
Specific examples of the epoxidized fatty acid monoester include esters of an epoxidized fatty acid having 12 to 20 carbon atoms and an alcohol having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, phenol, or an alkylphenol. In particular, butyl, hexyl, benzyl, cyclohexyl, methoxyethyl, octyl, phenyl, and butyl phenyl esters of epoxystearic acid are preferably used.
Specific examples of the epoxidized vegetable oil include epoxy compounds of vegetable oils such as soybean oil, linseed oil, and cottonseed oil.
Among these epoxy compounds, phenyl glycidyl ether-type epoxy compounds, alkyl glycidyl ether-type epoxy compounds, glycidyl ester-type epoxy compounds, and alicyclic epoxy compounds are preferred.
When the refrigerating oil and the working fluid for a refrigerating machine according to this embodiment contain the above-described epoxy compound, the content of the epoxy compound is not limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 5.0 mass % and more preferably 0.1 to 3.0 mass % relative to the whole amount of the refrigerating oil. The above-described epoxy compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The kinematic viscosity of the refrigerating oil containing the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) at 40° C. is preferably 20 to 80 mm2/s, more preferably 25 to 75 mm2/s, and most preferably 30 to 70 mm2/s. The kinematic viscosity at 100° C. is preferably 2 to 20 mm2/s and more preferably 3 to 10 mm2/s. When the kinematic viscosity is more than or equal to the lower limit, the viscosity required as a refrigerating oil is easily achieved. On the other hand, when the kinematic viscosity is less than or equal to the upper limit, sufficient miscibility with difluoromethane in the case where the difluoromethane is contained as a refrigerant composition can be achieved.
The volume resistivity of the refrigerating oil containing the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) is not limited, but is preferably 1.0×1012 Ω·cm or more, more preferably 1.0×1013 Ω·cm or more, and most preferably 1.0×1014 Ω·cm or more. In particular, when the refrigerating oil is used for sealed refrigerating machines, high electric insulation tends to be required. The volume resistivity refers to a value measured at 25° C. in conformity with JIS C 2101 “Testing methods of electrical insulating oils”.
The water content of the refrigerating oil containing the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) is not limited, but is preferably 200 ppm or less, more preferably 100 ppm or less, and most preferably 50 ppm or less relative to the whole amount of the refrigerating oil. In particular, when the refrigerating oil is used for sealed refrigerating machines, the water content needs to be low from the viewpoints of the thermal and chemical stability of the refrigerating oil and the influence on electric insulation.
The acid number of the refrigerating oil containing the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) is not limited, but is preferably 0.1 mgKOH/g or less and more preferably 0.05 mgKOH/g or less to prevent corrosion of metals used for refrigerating machines or pipes. In the present invention, the acid number refers to an acid number measured in conformity with JIS K 2501 “Petroleum products and lubricants—Determination of neutralization number”.
The ash content of the refrigerating oil containing the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester (A) is not limited, but is preferably 100 ppm or less and more preferably 50 ppm or less to improve the thermal and chemical stability of the refrigerating oil and suppress the generation of sludge and the like. The ash content refers to an ash content measured in conformity with JIS K 2272 “Crude oil and petroleum products—Determination of ash and sulfated ash”.
The complex ester oil is an ester of a fatty acid and a dibasic acid, and a monohydric alcohol and a polyol. The above-described fatty acid, dibasic acid, monohydric alcohol, and polyol can be used.
Examples of the fatty acid include the fatty acids mentioned in the polyol ester.
Examples of the dibasic acid include oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and terephthalic acid.
Examples of the polyol include the polyhydric alcohols in the polyol ester. The complex ester is an ester of such a fatty acid, dibasic acid, and polyol, each of which may be constituted by a single component or a plurality of components.
The polyol carbonate oil is an ester of a carbonic acid and a polyol.
Examples of the polyol include the above-described diols and polyols.
The polyol carbonate oil may be a ring-opened polymer of a cyclic alkylene carbonate.
(2-1-2) Ether-Based Refrigerating Machine Oil
The ether-type refrigerating oil is, for example, a polyvinyl ether oil or a polyoxyalkylene oil.
Examples of the polyvinyl ether oil include polymers of a vinyl ether monomer, copolymers of a vinyl ether monomer and a hydrocarbon monomer having an olefinic double bond, and copolymers of a monomer having an olefinic double bond and a polyoxyalkylene chain and a vinyl ether monomer.
The carbon/oxygen molar ratio of the polyvinyl ether oil is preferably 2 or more and 7.5 or less and more preferably 2.5 or more and 5.8 or less. If the carbon/oxygen molar ratio is smaller than the above range, the hygroscopicity increases. If the carbon/oxygen molar ratio is larger than the above range, the miscibility deteriorates. The weight-average molecular weight of the polyvinyl ether is preferably 200 or more and 3000 or less and more preferably 500 or more and 1500 or less.
The pour point of the polyvinyl ether oil is preferably −30° C. or lower. The surface tension of the polyvinyl ether oil at 20° C. is preferably 0.02 N/m or more and 0.04 N/m or less. The density of the polyvinyl ether oil at 15° C. is preferably 0.8 g/cm3 or more and 1.8 g/cm3 or less. The saturated water content of the polyvinyl ether oil at a temperature of 30° C. and a relative humidity of 90% is preferably 2000 ppm or more.
The refrigerating oil may contain polyvinyl ether as a main component. In the case where HFO-1234yf is contained as a refrigerant, the polyvinyl ether serving as a main component of the refrigerating oil has miscibility with HFO-1234yf When the refrigerating oil has a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 400 mm2/s or less, HFO-1234yf is dissolved in the refrigerating oil to some extent. When the refrigerating oil has a pour point of −30° C. or lower, the flowability of the refrigerating oil is easily ensured even at positions at which the temperature of the refrigerant composition and the refrigerating oil is low in the refrigerant circuit. When the refrigerating oil has a surface tension at 20° C. of 0.04 N/m or less, the refrigerating oil discharged from a compressor does not readily form large droplets of oil that are not easily carried away by a refrigerant composition. Therefore, the refrigerating oil discharged from the compressor is dissolved in HFO-1234yf and is easily returned to the compressor together with HFO-1234yf.
When the refrigerating oil has a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 30 mm2/s or more, an insufficient oil film strength due to excessively low kinematic viscosity is suppressed, and thus good lubricity is easily achieved. When the refrigerating oil has a surface tension at 20° C. of 0.02 N/m or more, the refrigerating oil does not readily form small droplets of oil in a gas refrigerant inside the compressor, which can suppress discharge of a large amount of refrigerating oil from the compressor. Therefore, a sufficient amount of refrigerating oil is easily stored in the compressor.
When the refrigerating oil has a saturated water content at 30° C./90% RH of 2000 ppm or more, a relatively high hygroscopicity of the refrigerating oil can be achieved. Thus, when HFO-1234yf is contained as a refrigerant, water in HFO-1234yf can be captured by the refrigerating oil to some extent. HFO-1234yf has a molecular structure that is easily altered or deteriorated because of the influence of water contained. Therefore, the hydroscopic effects of the refrigerating oil can suppress such deterioration.
Furthermore, when a particular resin functional component is disposed in the sealing portion or sliding portion that is in contact with a refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit and the resin functional component is formed of any of polytetrafluoroethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, chloroprene rubber, silicon rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, fluororubber, and hydrin rubber, the aniline point of the refrigerating oil is preferably set within a particular range in consideration of the adaptability with the resin functional component. By setting the aniline point in such a manner, for example, the adaptability of bearings constituting the resin functional component with the refrigerating oil is improved. Specifically, if the aniline point is excessively low, the refrigerating oil readily infiltrates bearings or the like, and the bearings or the like readily swell. On the other hand, if the aniline point is excessively high, the refrigerating oil does not readily infiltrate bearings or the like, and the bearings or the like readily shrink. Therefore, by setting the aniline point of the refrigerating oil within a particular range, the swelling or shrinking of the bearings or the like can be prevented.
Herein, for example, if each of the bearings or the like deforms through swelling or shrinking, the desired length of a gap at a sliding portion cannot be maintained. This may increase the sliding resistance or decrease the rigidity of the sliding portion. However, when the aniline point of the refrigerating oil is set within a particular range as described above, the deformation of the bearings or the like through swelling or shrinking is suppressed, and thus such a problem can be avoided.
The vinyl ether monomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of the hydrocarbon monomer having an olefinic double bond include ethylene, propylene, various butenes, various pentenes, various hexenes, various heptenes, various octenes, diisobutylene, triisobutylene, styrene, α-methylstyrene, and various alkyl-substituted styrenes. The hydrocarbon monomers having an olefinic double bond may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The polyvinyl ether copolymer may be a block copolymer or a random copolymer. The polyvinyl ether oils may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
A polyvinyl ether oil preferably used has a structural unit represented by general formula (1) below.
(In the formula, R1, R2, and R3 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, R4 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an ether bond oxygen-containing divalent hydrocarbon group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, R5 represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, m represents a number at which the average of m in the polyvinyl ether is 0 to 10, R1 to R5 may be the same or different in each of structural units, and when m represents 2 or more in one structural unit, a plurality of R4O may be the same or different.)
At least one of R1, R2, and R3 in the general formula (1) preferably represents a hydrogen atom. In particular, all of R1, R2, and R3 preferably represent a hydrogen atom. In the general formula (1), m preferably represents 0 or more and 10 or less, particularly preferably 0 or more and 5 or less, further preferably 0. R5 in the general formula (1) represents a hydrocarbon group having I to 20 carbon atoms. Specific examples of the hydrocarbon group include alkyl groups such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, various pentyl groups, various hexyl groups, various heptyl groups, and various octyl groups; cycloalkyl groups such as a cyclopentyl group, a cyclohexyl group, various methylcyclohexyl groups, various ethylcyclohexyl groups, and various dimethylcyclohexyl groups; aryl groups such as a phenyl group, various methylphenyl groups, various ethylphenyl groups, and various dimethylphenyl groups; and arylalkyl groups such as a benzyl group, various phenylethyl groups, and various methylbenzyl groups. Among the alkyl groups, the cycloalkyl groups, the phenyl group, the aryl groups, and the arylalkyl groups, alkyl groups, in particular, alkyl groups having 1 to 5 carbon atoms are preferred.
For the polyvinyl ether oil contained, the ratio of a polyvinyl ether oil with R5 representing an alkyl group having 1 or 2 carbon atoms and a polyvinyl ether oil with R5 representing an alkyl group having 3 or 4 carbon atoms is preferably 40%:60% to 100%:0%.
The polyvinyl ether oil according to this embodiment may be a homopolymer constituted by the same structural unit represented by the general formula (1) or a copolymer constituted by two or more structural units. The copolymer may be a block copolymer or a random copolymer.
The polyvinyl ether oil according to this embodiment may be constituted by only the structural unit represented by the general formula (1) or may be a copolymer further including a structural unit represented by general formula (2) below. In this case, the copolymer may be a block copolymer or a random copolymer.
(In the formula, R6 to R9 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.)
The vinyl ether monomer is, for example, a compound represented by general formula (3) below.
(In the formula, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and m have the same meaning as R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and m in the general formula (1), respectively.) Examples of various polyvinyl ether compounds corresponding to the above polyvinyl ether compound include vinyl methyl ether; vinyl ethyl ether; vinyl-n-propyl ether; vinyl-isopropyl ether; vinyl-n-butyl ether; vinyl-isobutyl ether; vinyl-sec-butyl ether; vinyl-tert-butyl ether; vinyl-n-pentyl ether; vinyl-n-hexyl ether; vinyl-2-methoxyethyl ether; vinyl-2-ethoxyethyl ether; vinyl-2-methoxy-1-methylethyl ether; vinyl-2-methoxy-propyl ether; vinyl-3,6-dioxaheptyl ether; vinyl-3,6,9-trioxadecyl ether; vinyl-1,4-dimethyl-3,6-dioxaheptyl ether; vinyl-1,4,7-trimethyl-3,6,9-trioxadecyl ether; vinyl-2,6-dioxa-4-heptyl ether; vinyl-2,6,9-trioxa-4-decyl ether; 1-methoxypropene; 1-ethoxypropene; 1-n-propoxypropene; 1-isopropoxypropene; 1-n-butoxypropene; 1-isobutoxypropene; 1-sec-butoxypropene; 1-tert-butoxypropene; 2-methoxypropene; 2-ethoxypropene; 2-n-propoxypropene; 2-isopropoxypropene; 2-n-butoxypropene; 2-isobutoxypropene; 2-sec-butoxypropene; 2-tert-butoxypropene; 1-methoxy-1-butene; 1-ethoxy-1-butene; 1-n-propoxy-1-butene; 1-isopropoxy-1-butene; 1-n-butoxy-1-butene; 1-isobutoxy-1-butene; 1-sec-butoxy-1-butene; 1-tert-butoxy-1-butene; 2-methoxy-1-butene; 2-ethoxy-1-butene; 2-n-propoxy-1-butene; 2-isopropoxy-1-butene; 2-n-butoxy-1-butene; 2-isobutoxy-1-butene; 2-sec-butoxy-1-butene; 2-tert-butoxy-1-butene; 2-methoxy-2-butene; 2-ethoxy-2-butene; 2-n-propoxy-2-butene; 2-isopropoxy-2-butene; 2-n-butoxy-2-butene; 2-isobutoxy-2-butene; 2-sec-butoxy-2-butene; and 2-tert-butoxy-2-butene. These vinyl ether monomers can be produced by a publicly known method.
The end of the polyvinyl ether compound having the structural unit represented by the general formula (1) can be converted into a desired structure by a method described in the present disclosure and a publicly known method. Examples of the group introduced by conversion include saturated hydrocarbons, ethers, alcohols, ketones, amides, and nitriles.
The polyvinyl ether compound preferably has the following end structures.
(In the formula, R11, R21, and R31 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, R41 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an ether bond oxygen-containing divalent hydrocarbon group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, R51 represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, m represents a number at which the average of m in the polyvinyl ether is 0 to 10, and when m represents 2 or more, a plurality of R41O may be the same or different.)
(In the formula, R61, R71, R81, and R91 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.)
(In the formula, R12, R22, and R32 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, R42 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an ether bond oxygen-containing divalent hydrocarbon group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, R52 represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, m represents a number at which the average of m in the polyvinyl ether is 0 to 10, and when m represents 2 or more, a plurality of R42O may be the same or different.)
(In the formula, R62, R72, R82, and R92 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.)
(In the formula, R13, R23, and R33 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms.)
The polyvinyl ether oil according to this embodiment can be produced by polymerizing the above-described monomer through, for example, radical polymerization, cationic polymerization, or radiation-induced polymerization. After completion of the polymerization reaction, a typical separation/purification method is performed when necessary to obtain a desired polyvinyl ether compound having a structural unit represented by the general formula (1).
The polyoxyalkylene oil is a polyoxyalkylene compound obtained by, for example, polymerizing an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms (e.g., ethylene oxide or propylene oxide) using water or a hydroxyl group-containing compound as an initiator. The hydroxyl group of the polyoxyalkylene compound may be etherified or esterified. The polyoxyalkylene oil may contain an oxyalkylene unit of the same type or two or more oxyalkylene units in one molecule. The polyoxyalkylene oil preferably contains at least an oxypropylene unit in one molecule.
Specifically, the polyoxyalkylene oil is, for example, a compound represented by general formula (9) below.
R101—[(OR102)k—OR103]l (9)
(In the formula, R101 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 6 bonding sites and 1 to 10 carbon atoms, R102 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, R103 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or an acyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, 1 represents an integer of 1 to 6, and k represents a number at which the average of k x 1 is 6 to 80.)
In the general formula (9), the alkyl group represented by R101 and R103 may be a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group. Specific examples of the alkyl group include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, various butyl groups, various pentyl groups, various hexyl groups, various heptyl groups, various octyl groups, various nonyl groups, various decyl groups, a cyclopentyl group, and a cyclohexyl group. If the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group exceeds 10, the miscibility with a refrigerant 2 Deteriorates, which may cause phase separation. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is preferably 1 to 6.
The acyl group represented by R101 and R103 may have a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group moiety. Specific examples of the alkyl group moiety of the acyl group include various groups having 1 to 9 carbon atoms that are mentioned as specific examples of the alkyl group. If the number of carbon atoms of the acyl group exceeds 10, the miscibility with a refrigerant 2 Deteriorates, which may cause phase separation. The number of carbon atoms of the acyl group is preferably 2 to 6.
When R101 and R103 each represent an alkyl group or an acyl group, R101 and R103 may be the same or different.
Furthermore, when 1 represents 2 or more, a plurality of R103 in one molecule may be the same or different.
When R101 represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 6 bonding sites and 1 to 10 carbon atoms, the aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be a linear group or a cyclic group. Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group having two bonding sites include an ethylene group, a propylene group, a butylene group, a pentylene group, a hexylene group, a heptylene group, an octylene group, a nonylene group, a decylene group, a cyclopentylene group, and a cyclohexylene group. Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 6 bonding sites include residual groups obtained by removing hydroxyl groups from polyhydric alcohols such as trimethylolpropane, glycerol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, 1,2,3-trihydroxycyclohexane, and 1,3,5-trihydroxycyclohexane.
If the number of carbon atoms of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group exceeds 10, the miscibility with a refrigerant 2Deteriorates, which may cause phase separation. The number of carbon atoms is preferably 2 to 6.
R102 in the general formula (9) represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples of the oxyalkylene group serving as a repeating unit include an oxyethylene group, an oxypropylene group, and an oxybutylene group. The polyoxyalkylene oil may contain an oxyalkylene group of the same type or two or more oxyalkylene groups in one molecule, but preferably contains at least an oxypropylene unit in one molecule. In particular, the content of the oxypropylene unit in the oxyalkylene unit is suitably 50 mol % or more.
In the general formula (9), 1 represents an integer of 1 to 6, which can be determined in accordance with the number of bonding sites of R101. For example, when R101 represents an alkyl group or an acyl group, 1 represents 1. When R101 represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 bonding sites, 1 represents 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Preferably, 1 represents 1 or 2. Furthermore, k preferably represents a number at which the average of k x 1 is 6 to 80.
For the structure of the polyoxyalkylene oil, a polyoxypropylene diol dimethyl ether represented by general formula (10) below and a poly(oxyethylene/oxypropylene) diol dimethyl ether represented by general formula (11) below are suitable from the viewpoints of economy and the above-described effects. Furthermore, a polyoxypropylene diol monobutyl ether represented by general formula (12) below, a polyoxypropylene diol monomethyl ether represented by general formula (13) below, a poly(oxyethylene/oxypropylene) diol monomethyl ether represented by general formula (14) below, a poly(oxyethylene/oxypropylene) diol monobutyl ether represented by general formula (15) below, and a polyoxypropylene diol diacetate represented by general formula (16) below are suitable from the viewpoint of economy and the like.
CH3O—(C3H6O)h—CH3 (10)
(In the formula, h represents 6 to 80.)
CH3O—(C2H4O)i—(C3H6O)j—CH3 (11)
(In the formula, i and j each represent 1 or more and the sum of i and j is 6 to 80.)
C4H9O—(C3H6O)h—H (12)
(In the formula, h represents 6 to 80.)
CH3O—(C3H6O)h—H (13)
(In the formula, h represents 6 to 80.)
CH3O—(C2H4O)i—(C3H6O)j—H (14)
(In the formula, i and j each represent 1 or more and the sum of i and j is 6 to 80.)
C4H9O—(C2H4O)i—(C3H6O)j—H (15)
(In the formula, i and j each represent 1 or more and the sum of i and j is 6 to 80.)
CH3COO—(C3H6O)h—COCH3 (16)
(In the formula, h represents 6 to 80.)
The polyoxyalkylene oils may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
(2-2) Hydrocarbon-Based Refrigerating Machine Oil
The hydrocarbon refrigerating oil that can be used is, for example, an alkylbenzene.
The alkylbenzene that can be used is a branched alkylbenzene synthesized from propylene polymer and benzene serving as raw materials using a catalyst such as hydrogen fluoride or a linear alkylbenzene synthesized from normal paraffin and benzene serving as raw materials using the same catalyst. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is preferably 1 to 30 and more preferably 4 to 20 from the viewpoint of achieving a viscosity appropriate as a lubricating base oil. The number of alkyl groups in one molecule of the alkylbenzene is dependent on the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group, but is preferably 1 to 4 and more preferably 1 to 3 to control the viscosity within the predetermined range.
The hydrocarbon refrigerating oil preferably circulates through a refrigeration cycle system together with a refrigerant. Although it is most preferable that the refrigerating oil is soluble with a refrigerant, for example, a refrigerating oil (e.g., a refrigerating oil disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2803451) having low solubility can also be used as long as the refrigerating oil is capable of circulating through a refrigeration cycle system together with a refrigerant. To allow the refrigerating oil to circulate through a refrigeration cycle system, the refrigerating oil is required to have a low kinematic viscosity. The kinematic viscosity of the hydrocarbon refrigerating oil at 40° C. is preferably 1 mm2/s or more and 50 mm2/s or less and more preferably 1 mm2/s or more and 25 mm2/s or less.
These refrigerating oils may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The content of the hydrocarbon refrigerating oil in the working fluid for a refrigerating machine may be, for example, 10 parts by mass or more and 100 parts by mass or less and is more preferably 20 parts by mass or more and 50 parts by mass or less relative to 100 parts by mass of the refrigerant composition.
(2-3) Additives
The refrigerating oil may contain one or two or more additives.
Examples of the additives include an acid scavenger, an extreme pressure agent, an antioxidant, an antifoaming agent, an oiliness improver, a metal deactivator such as a copper deactivator, an anti-wear agent, and a compatibilizer.
Examples of the acid scavenger that can be used include epoxy compounds such as phenyl glycidyl ether, alkyl glycidyl ether, alkylene glycol glycidyl ether, cyclohexene oxide, α-olefin oxide, and epoxidized soybean oil; and carbodiimides. Among them, phenyl glycidyl ether, alkyl glycidyl ether, alkylene glycol glycidyl ether, cyclohexene oxide, and α-olefin oxide are preferred from the viewpoint of miscibility. The alkyl group of the alkyl glycidyl ether and the alkylene group of the alkylene glycol glycidyl ether may have a branched structure. The number of carbon atoms may be 3 or more and 30 or less, and is more preferably 4 or more and 24 or less and further preferably 6 or more and 16 or less. The total number of carbon atoms of the α-olefin oxide may be 4 or more and 50 or less, and is more preferably 4 or more and 24 or less and further preferably 6 or more and 16 or less. The acid scavengers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The extreme pressure agent may contain, for example, a phosphoric acid ester. Examples of the phosphoric acid ester that can be used include phosphoric acid esters, phosphorous acid esters, acidic phosphoric acid esters, and acidic phosphorous acid esters. The extreme pressure agent may contain an amine salt of a phosphoric acid ester, a phosphorous acid ester, an acidic phosphoric acid ester, or an acidic phosphorous acid ester.
Examples of the phosphoric acid ester include triaryl phosphates, trialkyl phosphates, trialkylaryl phosphates, triarylalkyl phosphates, and trialkenyl phosphates. Specific examples of the phosphoric acid ester include triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, benzyl diphenyl phosphate, ethyl diphenyl phosphate, tributyl phosphate, ethyl dibutyl phosphate, cresyl diphenyl phosphate, dicresyl phenyl phosphate, ethylphenyl diphenyl phosphate, diethylphenyl phenyl phosphate, propylphenyl diphenyl phosphate, dipropylphenyl phenyl phosphate, triethylphenyl phosphate, tripropylphenyl phosphate, butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate, dibutylphenyl phenyl phosphate, tributylphenyl phosphate, trihexyl phosphate, tri(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, tridecyl phosphate, trilauryl phosphate, trimyristyl phosphate, tripalmityl phosphate, tristearyl phosphate, and trioleyl phosphate.
Specific examples of the phosphorous acid ester include triethyl phosphite, tributyl phosphite, triphenyl phosphite, tricresyl phosphite, tri(nonylphenyl) phosphite, tri(2-ethylhexyl) phosphite, tridecyl phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, triisooctyl phosphite, diphenylisodecyl phosphite, tristearyl phosphite, and trioleyl phosphite.
Specific examples of the acidic phosphoric acid ester include 2-ethylhexyl acid phosphate, ethyl acid phosphate, butyl acid phosphate, oleyl acid phosphate, tetracosyl acid phosphate, isodecyl acid phosphate, lauryl acid phosphate, tridecyl acid phosphate, stearyl acid phosphate, and isostearyl acid phosphate.
Specific examples of the acidic phosphorous acid ester include dibutyl hydrogen phosphite, dilauryl hydrogen phosphite, dioleyl hydrogen phosphite, distearyl hydrogen phosphite, and diphenyl hydrogen phosphite. Among the phosphoric acid esters, oleyl acid phosphate and stearyl acid phosphate are suitably used.
Among amines used for amine salts of phosphoric acid esters, phosphorous acid esters, acidic phosphoric acid esters, or acidic phosphorous acid esters, specific examples of mono-substituted amines include butylamine, pentylamine, hexylamine, cyclohexylamine, octylamine, laurylamine, stearylamine, oleylamine, and benzylamine. Specific examples of di-substituted amines include dibutylamine, dipentylamine, dihexylamine, dicyclohexylamine, dioctylamine, dilaurylamine, distearylamine, dioleylamine, dibenzylamine, stearyl-monoethanolamine, decyl-monoethanolamine, hexyl-monopropanolamine, benzyl-monoethanolamine, phenyl-monoethanolamine, and tolyl-monopropanolamine.
Specific examples of tri-substituted amines include tributylamine, tripentylamine, trihexylamine, tricyclohexylamine, trioctylamine, trilaurylamine, tristearylamine, trioleylamine, tribenzylamine, dioleyl-monoethanolamine, dilauryl-monopropanolamine, dioctyl-monoethanolamine, dihexyl-monopropanolamine, dibutyl-monopropanolamine, oleyl-diethanolamine, stearyl-dipropanolamine, lauryl-diethanolamine, octyl-dipropanolamine, butyl-diethanolamine, benzyl-diethanolamine, phenyl-diethanolamine, tolyl-dipropanolamine, xylyl-diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and tripropanolamine.
Examples of extreme pressure agents other than the above-described extreme pressure agents include extreme pressure agents based on organosulfur compounds such as monosulfides, polysulfides, sulfoxides, sulfones, thiosulfinates, sulfurized fats and oils, thiocarbonates, thiophenes, thiazoles, and methanesulfonates; extreme pressure agents based on thiophosphoric acid esters such as thiophosphoric acid triesters; extreme pressure agents based on esters such as higher fatty acids, hydroxyaryl fatty acids, polyhydric alcohol esters, and acrylic acid esters; extreme pressure agents based on organochlorine compounds such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, e.g., chlorinated paraffin and chlorinated carboxylic acid derivatives; extreme pressure agents based on fluoroorganic compounds such as fluorinated aliphatic carboxylic acids, fluorinated ethylene resins, fluorinated alkylpolysiloxanes, and fluorinated graphites; extreme pressure agents based on alcohols such as higher alcohols; and extreme pressure agents based on metal compounds such as naphthenic acid salts (e.g., lead naphthenate), fatty acid salts (e.g., lead fatty acid), thiophosphoric acid salts (e.g., zinc dialkyldithiophosphate), thiocarbamic acid salts, organomolybdenum compounds, organotin compounds, organogermanium compounds, and boric acid esters.
The antioxidant that can be used is, for example, a phenol-based antioxidant or an amine-based antioxidant. Examples of the phenol-based antioxidant include 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (DBPC), 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 2,4-dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, and bisphenol A. Examples of the amine-based antioxidant include N,N′-diisopropyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N′-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine, phenyl-α-naphthylamine, N,N′-di-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, and N,N-di(2-naphthyl)-p-phenylenediamine. An oxygen scavenger that captures oxygen can also be used as the antioxidant.
The antifoaming agent that can be used is, for example, a silicon compound.
The oiliness improver that can be used is, for example, a higher alcohol or a fatty acid.
The metal deactivator such as a copper deactivator that can be used is, for example, benzotriazole or a derivative thereof.
The anti-wear agent that can be used is, for example, zinc dithiophosphate.
The compatibilizer is not limited, and can be appropriately selected from commonly used compatibilizers. The compatibilizers may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of the compatibilizer include polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers, amides, nitriles, ketones, chlorocarbons, esters, lactones, aryl ethers, fluoroethers, and 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes. The compatibilizer is particularly preferably a polyoxyalkylene glycol ether.
The refrigerating oil may optionally contain, for example, a load-bearing additive, a chlorine scavenger, a detergent dispersant, a viscosity index improver, a heat resistance improver, a stabilizer, a corrosion inhibitor, a pour-point depressant, and an anticorrosive.
The content of each additive in the refrigerating oil may be 0.01 mass % or more and mass % or less and is preferably 0.05 mass % or more and 3 mass % or less. The content of the additive in the working fluid for a refrigerating machine constituted by the refrigerant composition and the refrigerating oil is preferably 5 mass % or less and more preferably 3 mass % or less.
The refrigerating oil preferably has a chlorine concentration of 50 ppm or less and preferably has a sulfur concentration of 50 ppm or less.
An air conditioner for a vehicle using any one of the refrigerant 1A, the refrigerant 1B, the refrigerant 1C, the refrigerant 1D, the refrigerant 1E, the refrigerant 2A, the refrigerant 2B, the refrigerant 2C, the refrigerant 2D, the refrigerant 2E, the refrigerant 3A, and the refrigerant 3B, and the refrigerating machine oil above is described below. The air conditioner for a vehicle is a refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle.
(3-1) Configuration of Air Conditioner 1 for Vehicle
The air conditioner 1 for a vehicle includes a refrigerant circuit 10, an air-conditioning unit 30, and a controlling device 60, which is controlling means.
The refrigerant circuit 10 is a vapor-compression refrigerant circuit that adjusts the temperature of blowing air that is blown into the interior of a vehicle.
The air-conditioning unit 30 blows the blowing air whose temperature has been adjusted by the refrigerant circuit 10 into the interior of a vehicle. The controlling device 60 controls the operation of various structural units of the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle.
The refrigerant circuit 10 is capable of being switched between a refrigerant circuit for a cooling mode (a cooling operation), in which the interior of the vehicle is cooled by cooling the blowing air, and a refrigerant circuit for a heating mode (a heating operation), in which the interior of the vehicle is heated by heating the blowing air.
(3-2) Refrigerant Circuit 10
The refrigerant circuit 10 includes, for example, a compressor 80, a first heat exchanger 85, an outside-air heat exchanger 82, a second heat exchanger 86, an accumulator 80a, a heating control valve 83, a cooling control valve 87, an electromagnetic valve 23, and a check valve 24.
The compressor 80 compresses and discharges a sucked-in refrigerant. The first heat exchanger 85 is a heat exchanger that heats blowing air. The second heat exchanger 86 is a heat exchanger that cools the blowing air. The heating control valve 83 and the cooling control valve 87 constitute a decompressing device that decompresses and expands the refrigerant. The electromagnetic valve 23 is refrigerant-circuit switching means that switches the refrigerant circuit between the refrigerant circuit in the cooling mode and the refrigerant circuit in the heating mode.
(3-2-1) Compressor 80
In the compressor 80, a compression mechanism is driven by a motor. As the motor, for example, an alternating current motor whose number of rotations is controlled by using an alternating voltage that is output from an inverter is used.
The inverter outputs an alternating voltage having a frequency that is in accordance with a control signal that is output from the controlling device 60. A refrigerant 2Discharge capacity of the compressor 80 is changed by using the number-of-rotations control output. As the compressor 80, various compressors, such as a swash-plate compressor, a scroll compressor, a multi-vane compressor, and a rotary compressor, can be used.
(3-2-2) Outside-Air Heat Exchanger 82
The outside-air heat exchanger 82 causes a refrigerant that circulates therein and vehicle outdoor air blown from an outdoor fan 90 to exchange heat with each other. The outside-air heat exchanger 82 functions as an evaporator at the time of the heating mode. The outside-air heat exchanger 82 also functions as a heat dissipater at the time of the cooling mode. The number of rotations of the outdoor fan 90 is controlled by using a control voltage that is output from the controlling device 60.
(3-2-3) Heating Control Valve 83
The heating control valve 83 that decompresses a refrigerant at the time of the heating mode is connected to a location between a refrigerant outlet of the first heat exchanger 85 and a refrigerant inlet of the outside-air heat exchanger 82. Although the heating control valve 83 is, for example, an electrically powered expansion valve, the heating control valve 83 is not limited thereto.
(3-2-4) First Heat Exchanger 85
A discharge port of the compressor 80 and a refrigerant inlet of the first heat exchanger 85 are connected to each other by a discharge pipe. The first heat exchanger 85 is disposed in an air-conditioning duct 31 that forms an air passage for blowing air that is blown into the interior of a vehicle in the air-conditioning unit 30.
The first heat exchanger 85 heats the blowing air by causing a refrigerant that circulates therein and the blowing air to exchange heat with each other.
(3-2-5) Second Heat Exchanger 86
The second heat exchanger 86 is a cooling heat exchanger that is disposed on an upstream side of the flow of the blowing air at the first heat exchanger 85 in the air-conditioning duct 31 and that cools the blowing air by causing a refrigerant that circulates therein and the blowing air to exchange heat with each other. A refrigerant outlet of the second heat exchanger 86 and an inlet of the accumulator 80a are connected to each other by a pipe. The accumulator 80a is a gas-liquid separator that separates a gas-liquid of a refrigerant that has flowed therein and that accumulates an excessive refrigerant in a cycle.
Further, a gas-phase refrigerant outlet of the accumulator 80a and an intake port of the compressor 80 are connected to each other by an intake pipe.
(3-2-6) Cooling Control Valve 87
The cooling control valve 87 that decompresses a refrigerant at the time of the cooling mode is connected to a location between a refrigerant outlet of the outside-air heat exchanger 82 and a refrigerant inlet of the second heat exchanger 86.
The cooling control valve 87 is, for example, an electrically powered expansion valve. However, as long as the cooling control valve 87 is capable of performing its function of decompressing the refrigerant at the time of the cooling mode, the cooling control valve 87 is not limited thereto. For the cooling control valve 87, a fixed aperture, such as an orifice or a capillary tube, can be used.
(3-2-7) Bypass 22
A bypass 22 that bypasses the check valve 24, the cooling control valve 87, and the second heat exchanger 86 is provided between the refrigerant outlet of the outside-air heat exchanger 82 and the refrigerant outlet of the second heat exchanger 86. The electromagnetic valve 23 is provided in the bypass 22.
(3-2-8) Electromagnetic Valve 23
The electromagnetic valve 23 is an on/off valve. The electromagnetic valve 23 is refrigerant-circuit switching means that switches the refrigerant circuit between the refrigerant circuit in the cooling mode and the refrigerant circuit in the heating mode. The operation of the electromagnetic valve 23 is controlled by using a control signal that is output from the controlling device 60. The electromagnetic valve 23 is closed at the time of the cooling mode and is open at the time of the heating mode.
(3-2-9) Check Valve 24
The check valve 24 is provided in a refrigerant passage that connects the refrigerant outlet of the outside-air heat exchanger 82 and the refrigerant inlet of the second heat exchanger 86. The check valve 24 allows a refrigerant to circulate into the refrigerant inlet of the second heat exchanger 86 from the refrigerant outlet of the outside-air heat exchanger 82, and does not allow the refrigerant to circulate in the opposite direction.
(3-3) Air-Conditioning Unit 30
The air-conditioning unit 30 is disposed on an inner side of an instrument panel at a front portion in the interior of a vehicle. The air-conditioning unit 30 accommodates such as a fan 32, the second heat exchanger 86, the first heat exchanger 85, and an air mix door 34 in the air-conditioning duct 31 that forms the outer shell of the air-conditioning unit 30.
(3-3-1) Air-Conditioning Duct 31
The air-conditioning duct 31 is molded out of a resin (such as polypropylene) having some elasticity and having excellent strength. An air passage for blowing air that is blown into the interior of a vehicle is formed in the air-conditioning duct 31. An air take-in mechanism 33 that introduces air in the interior of the vehicle (inside air) or outside air into a case by switching between the inside air and the outside air is disposed on an uppermost stream side of the flow of the blowing air of the air-conditioning duct 31.
(3-3-2) Air Take-in Mechanism 33
The air take-in mechanism 33 has an inside-air take-in port 33a that takes in the inside air and an outside-air take-in port 33b that takes in the outside air. The inside-air take-in port 33a is opened and closed by an inside-air door 43a. The outside-air take-in port 33b is opened and closed by an outside-air door 43b. For example, when the inside-air door 43a and the outside-air door 43b are driven by a motor, the opening degree of the inside-air door 43a and the opening degree of the outside-air door 43b are adjusted by controlling the rotation amount of the motor by the controlling device 60. As a result, the ratio between the flow rates of the inside air and the outside air that flow into the air-conditioning duct 31 is adjusted.
The fan 32 that blows air sucked in via the air take-in mechanism 33 toward the interior of a vehicle is disposed on a downstream side of the flow of air of the air take-in mechanism 33. The fan 32, which is blowing means, is for example an electrically powered fan in which a centrifugal multi-blade fan is driven by an electrically powered motor, and whose number of rotations is controlled by a control voltage that is output from the controlling device 60.
The second heat exchanger 86 and the first heat exchanger 85 are such that the second heat exchanger 86 and the first heat exchanger 85 are sequentially disposed with respect to the flow of blowing air on a downstream side of the flow of air of the fan 32. The air mix door 34 that adjusts, with regard to blowing air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 86, the ratio between the airflow volume to be passed through the first heat exchanger 85 and the airflow volume not to be passed through the first heat exchanger 85 is disposed in the air-conditioning duct 31.
(3-3-3) Air Mix Door 34
The air mix door 34 is driven by, for example, a motor. The operation of the motor is controlled by using a control signal that is output from the controlling device 60.
In the embodiment, at the time of the heating mode, as shown in
Therefore, the blowing air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 86 passes through the first heat exchanger 85, flows through a warm-air passage, and reaches an air mix section formed on an upstream side with respect to a plurality of blow-out opening portions.
At the time of the cooling mode, as shown in
Therefore, the blowing air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 86 flows into a cool-air passage and reaches the air mix section formed on the upstream side with respect to the plurality of blow-out opening portions.
An opening for blowing out into the interior of a vehicle, which is a space to be air-conditioned, the blowing air that has passed through the first heat exchanger 85 or the blowing air that has bypassed the first heat exchanger 85 is formed in a downmost stream portion of the flow of air of the air-conditioning duct 31.
Therefore, at the time of the cooling mode, the temperature of the blowing air that is blown out into the interior of the vehicle from the blow-out opening may be adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of the air mix door 34 and re-heating at the first heat exchanger 85 a part of the blowing air cooled at the second heat exchanger 86.
(3-4) Controlling Device 60
At the time of the heating mode, the controlling device 60 causes the electromagnetic valve 23 to open and the cooling control valve 87 to close to circulate a refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 as shown in
At the time of the cooling mode, the controlling device 60 causes the electromagnetic valve 23 to close and the heating control valve 83 to open fully to circulate a refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 as shown in
Detection signals of a group of air-conditioning control sensors such as a pressure sensor 61, a refrigerant temperature sensor 62, a blow-out temperature sensor 63, and an indoor temperature sensor 64 are input to an input side of the controlling device 60.
The pressure sensor 61 detects the temperature and the pressure of a refrigerant that has flowed out from the first heat exchanger 85 and that has not yet flowed into the heating control valve 83. The refrigerant temperature sensor 62 detects the temperature of a refrigerant that is at the outlet of the outside-air heat exchanger and that flows out from the outside-air heat exchanger 82. The blow-out temperature sensor 63 detects the temperature of air that is blown into the interior of a vehicle immediately after that air has passed through the first heat exchanger 85. The indoor temperature sensor 64 detects the temperature of air in the interior of a vehicle.
(3-5) Operation of Air Conditioner 1 for Vehicle
(3-5-1) Cooling Mode
In the cooling mode, the controlling device 60 closes the electromagnetic valve 23 and fully opens the heating control valve 83 to cause the cooling control valve 87 to be in an aperture state that allows it to decompress a refrigerant. Therefore, in the cooling mode, as indicated by a solid-line arrow in
The opening degree of the air mix door 34 is determined so that the air mix door 34 allows the air-conditioning duct 31 to be fully open and so that the entire flow rate of the blowing air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 86 passes through the air-conditioning duct 31.
In the cooling mode, the refrigerant 2Discharged from the compressor 80 flows into the first heat exchanger 85. Here, in the cooling mode, since the air mix door 34 allows the air-conditioning duct 31 to be fully open, the refrigerant that has flowed into the first heat exchanger 85 flows out from the first heat exchanger 85 without dissipating heat to the blowing air.
The refrigerant that has flowed out from the first heat exchanger 85 passes through the fully open heating control valve 83 and flows into the outside-air heat exchanger 82. The refrigerant that has flowed into the outside-air heat exchanger 82 exchanges heat with outside air blown from the fan 32 to dissipate heat.
Since the electromagnetic valve 23 is closed, the refrigerant that has flowed out from the outside-air heat exchanger 82 flows into the cooling control valve 87 and is decompressed. The refrigerant 2Decompressed at the cooling control valve 87 flows into the second heat exchanger 86.
The refrigerant that has flowed into the second heat exchanger 86 absorbs heat from the blowing air blown from the fan 32 and evaporates. Therefore, the blowing air is cooled.
The refrigerant that has flowed out from the second heat exchanger 86 flows into the accumulator 80a and is subjected to gas-liquid separation. A gas-phase refrigerant separated at the accumulator 80a is sucked into the compressor 80 and is compressed again.
In the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle in the cooling mode, the interior of the vehicle can be cooled by blowing out into the interior of the vehicle the blowing air cooled at the second heat exchanger 86.
(3-5-2) Heating Mode
In the heating mode, the controlling device 60 causes the heating control valve 83 to be in an aperture state, fully closes the cooling control valve 87, and opens the electromagnetic valve 23. Therefore, in the heating mode, as indicated by a solid-line arrow in
The opening degree of the air mix door 34 is such that the air mix door 34 allows the air-conditioning duct 31 to be fully closed and the entire flow rate of the blowing air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 86 passes through the first heat exchanger 85.
In the heating mode, the refrigerant 2Discharged from the compressor 80 flows into the first heat exchanger 85. The refrigerant that has flowed into the first heat exchanger 85 exchanges heat with the blowing air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 86 to dissipate heat. Therefore, the blowing air is heated.
The refrigerant that has flowed out from the first heat exchanger 85 flows into the heating control valve 83 and is decompressed. The refrigerant 2Decompressed at the heating control valve 83 flows into the outside-air heat exchanger 82.
The refrigerant that has flowed into the outside-air heat exchanger 82 absorbs heat from outside air blown from the outdoor fan 90 and evaporates.
The refrigerant that has flowed out from the outside-air heat exchanger 82 passes through the bypass 22 and flows into the accumulator 80a. The refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 80a is subjected to gas-liquid separation. A gas-phase refrigerant separated at the accumulator 80a is sucked into the compressor 80 and is compressed again.
In the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle in the heating mode, the interior of the vehicle can be heated by blowing out into the interior of the vehicle the blowing air heated at the first heat exchanger 85.
(3-5-3) Dehumidifying Heating Mode
In a dehumidifying heating mode, the controlling device 60 causes the heating control valve 83 to be in an aperture state, and fully opens the cooling control valve 87 or causes the cooling control valve 87 to be in an aperture state, and closes the electromagnetic valve 23. Therefore, in the dehumidifying heating mode, as indicated by the solid-line arrow in
The opening degree of the air mix door 34 is such that the air mix door 34 allows the air-conditioning duct 31 to be fully closed as in the heating mode.
In the dehumidifying heating mode, the refrigerant 2Discharged from the compressor 80 flows into the first heat exchanger 85, exchanges heat with blowing air that has been cooled and dehumidified at the second heat exchanger 86, and dissipates heat. Therefore, the blowing air is heated.
The refrigerant that has flowed out from the first heat exchanger 85 flows into the heating control valve 83 and is decompressed. The refrigerant 2Decompressed at the heating control valve 83 flows into the outside-air heat exchanger 82.
A low-pressure refrigerant that has flowed into the outside-air heat exchanger 82 absorbs heat from outside air blown from the outdoor fan 90 and evaporates.
Since the electromagnetic valve 23 is closed, the refrigerant that has flowed out from the outside-air heat exchanger 82 flows into the cooling control valve 87 and is decompressed. The refrigerant 2Decompressed at the cooling control valve 87 flows into the second heat exchanger 86.
The refrigerant that has flowed into the second heat exchanger 86 absorbs heat from the blowing air blown from a fan 84 and evaporates. Therefore, the blowing air is cooled.
The refrigerant that has flowed out from the second heat exchanger 86 flows into the accumulator 80a and is subjected to gas-liquid separation. A gas-phase refrigerant separated at the accumulator 80a is sucked into the compressor 80 and is compressed again.
In the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle in the dehumidifying heating mode, the interior of a vehicle can be dehumidified and heated by re-heating at the first heat exchanger 85 the blowing air cooled and dehumidified at the second heat exchanger 86, and by blowing out the re-heated blowing air into the interior of the vehicle.
(3-5-4) Defrosting Mode
When the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle performs a defrosting operation, the air mix door 34 closes an air-flow path that extends toward the first heat exchanger 85. The electromagnetic valve 23 is in an open state. The heating control valve 83 is in a fully open state. The cooling control valve 87 is in a fully closed state.
A refrigerant compressed at the compressor 80 becomes a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, and is discharged. The refrigerant 2Discharged from the compressor 80 passes through the first heat exchanger 85.
Since the air mix door 34 closes the air-flow path that extends toward the first heat exchanger 85, the heat-dissipation amount of the refrigerant is smaller than the heat-dissipation amount of the refrigerant at the time of the heating operation.
The refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 85 passes through the fully open heating control valve 83 and flows into the outside-air heat exchanger 82. Therefore, the refrigerant 2Dissipates heat at the outside-air heat exchanger 82, as a result of which it is possible to raise the temperature of and defrost the outside-air heat exchanger 82.
The refrigerant that has flowed out from the outside-air heat exchanger 82 passes through the bypass 22 and flows into the accumulator 80a. The refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 80a is separated into a gas-phase refrigerant and a liquid-phase refrigerant, and the gas-phase refrigerant sucked into the compressor 80.
(3-6) Modifications
In the first embodiment, when the refrigerant that has flowed out from the outside-air heat exchanger 82 is caused to flow through the bypass 22, the electromagnetic valve 23 is in an open state and the cooling control valve 87 is in a fully closed state. In addition, when the refrigerant that has flowed out from the outside-air heat exchanger 82 is caused to flow through the second heat exchanger 86, the electromagnetic valve 23 is in a closed state and the cooling control valve 87 is in an aperture state.
However, the switching of a flow path in the refrigerant circuit is not limited to the methods above, and thus the flow path may be switched by using a three-way valve.
A flow of a refrigerant that has flowed out from the outside-air heat exchanger 82 is selected to be either one of a flow toward the bypass 22 and a flow toward the second heat exchanger 86 by the three-way valve 25.
(3-7) Features
(3-7-1)
The air conditioner 1 for a vehicle includes the refrigerant circuit 10 in which a refrigerant that contains at least 1,2-difluoroethylene is sealed.
(3-7-2)
The air conditioner 1 for a vehicle includes the refrigerant circuit 10 in which a mixed refrigerant that contains at least 1132(E), 1234yf, and R32 is sealed.
(3-7-3)
The air conditioner 1 for a vehicle includes the refrigerant circuit 10 in which a refrigerant that contains at least 1132(E), 1123, and R1234yf is sealed.
(3-7-4)
The air conditioner 1 for a vehicle includes the refrigerant circuit 10 in which a refrigerant that contains at least 1132(E)/1234yf is sealed.
(3-7-5)
The air conditioner 1 for a vehicle includes the refrigerant circuit 10 in which a refrigerant that contains at least 1132a, R32, and R1234yf is sealed.
(3-7-6)
The air conditioner 1 for a vehicle includes the refrigerant circuit 10 in which a refrigerant that contains at least R32, R125, R1234yf, R134a, and CO2 is sealed.
An air conditioner for a vehicle using any one of the refrigerant 1A, the refrigerant 1, the refrigerant 1C, the refrigerant 1D, the refrigerant 1E, the refrigerant 2A, the refrigerant 2B, the refrigerant 2C, the refrigerant 2D, the refrigerant 2E, the refrigerant 3A, and the refrigerant 3B, and the refrigerating machine oil above is described below. The air conditioner for a vehicle is a refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle.
(4-1) Configuration of Air Conditioner 101 for Vehicle
(4-2) Refrigerant Circuit 110
As shown in
The branch portion 128 is a portion at which a branch pipe 122 branches off from a main circuit 121 in the refrigerant circuit 110.
The branch pipe 122 is connected at one end to a first refrigerant pipe 123, and is connected at the other end to an intake-side refrigerant pipe 124 that connects the four-way switching valve 181 and an intake portion of the compressor 180 to each other. Therefore, even if a direction of circulation of a refrigerant in the main circuit 121 is changed, the refrigerant flows into the branch pipe 122 in the same one direction toward an intake side of the compressor 180 from the first refrigerant pipe 123.
Note that, in the embodiment, the one end of the branch pipe 122 is connected to a refrigerant pipe 123a that is a part of the first refrigerant pipe 123 and that connects a first control valve 183 and the first heat exchanger 185 to each other.
A second control valve 187, which is an expansion mechanism, and the second heat exchanger 186 are sequentially connected to the branch pipe 122.
As shown in
(4-2-1) Compressor 180
The compressor 180 is an inverter compressor whose number of rotations is variable, and is provided for compressing a gas refrigerant that has been sucked in.
As the compressor 180, various compressors, such as a swash-plate compressor, a scroll compressor, a multi-vane compressor, and a rotary compressor, can be used.
(4-2-2) Four-Way Switching Valve 181
The four-way switching valve 181 that is connected to the main circuit 121 constitutes a switching mechanism that changes a flow path of a refrigerant that flows in the main circuit 121.
The four-way switching valve 181 is configured to switch between a first state (see the solid line in
(4-2-3) Outside-Air Heat Exchanger 182
The outside-air heat exchanger 182 is provided for causing heat to be exchanged between outside air and a refrigerant that flows in the outside-air heat exchanger 182.
(4-2-4) First Control Valve 183
The first control valve 183 is an electrically powered expansion valve for, for example, adjusting a refrigerant pressure or a refrigerant flow rate of a refrigerant that flows in the first refrigerant pipe 123 that connects the outside-air heat exchanger 182 and the first heat exchanger 185 to each other.
(4-2-5) First Heat Exchanger 185
The first heat exchanger 185 is provided for allowing air in the interior of a vehicle as a heat source to exchange heat with a refrigerant. A fan 184 generates a flow of air that comes into contact with the first heat exchanger 185 to thereby make it possible for the air in the interior of the vehicle and the refrigerant that flows in the first heat exchanger 185 to exchange heat with each other.
(4-2-6) Second Heat Exchanger 186
Similarly to the first heat exchanger 185, the second heat exchanger 186 is provided for allowing air in the interior of a vehicle as a heat source to exchange heat with a refrigerant. The fan 184 generates a flow of air that comes into contact with the second heat exchanger 186 to thereby make it possible for the air in the interior of the vehicle and the refrigerant that flows in the second heat exchanger 186 to exchange heat with each other.
(4-2-7) Second Control Valve 187
The second control valve 187 is an electrically powered expansion valve for, for example, adjusting a refrigerant pressure or a refrigerant flow rate of a refrigerant that flows into the second heat exchanger 186 from the first refrigerant pipe 123, and is capable of causing the second heat exchanger 186 to function as an evaporator by adjusting a valve opening degree of the second control valve 187. The second control valve 187 is disposed on an intake side of the second heat exchanger 186.
In the embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 110 is designed so that, when a refrigerant flows toward the first heat exchanger 185 and the second heat exchanger 186 from the outside-air heat exchanger 182, the flow rate of the refrigerant that flows in the first heat exchanger 185 and the flow rate of the refrigerant that flows in the second heat exchanger 186 become a predetermined proportion. In the embodiment, when the heating capacity is insufficient at the time of dehumidifying and heating or at the time of heating the interior of a vehicle, a heater 188 is used as a heat source for heating the air in the interior of the vehicle. An output of the heater 188 is controlled by the controlling device 60 based on the result of detection of the various sensors.
(4-3) Configuration of Controlling Device 160
Detection signals of a group of air-conditioning control sensors such as a pressure sensor 161, a refrigerant temperature sensor 162, a blow-out temperature sensor 163, and an indoor temperature sensor 164 are input to an input side of the controlling device 160.
The pressure sensor 161 detects the temperature and the pressure of a refrigerant that has flowed out from the first heat exchanger 185 and that has not yet flowed into the first control valve 183. The refrigerant temperature sensor 162 detects the temperature of a refrigerant that is at an outlet of the outside-air heat exchanger and that flows out from the outside-air heat exchanger 182. The blow-out temperature sensor 163 detects the temperature of air that is blown into the interior of a vehicle immediately after that air has passed through the first heat exchanger 185. The indoor temperature sensor 164 detects the temperature of air in the interior of a vehicle.
The controlling device 160 performs control to adjust the valve opening degrees of the first control valve 183 and the second control valve 187 and to adjust the number of rotations of the fan 184 to thereby control the amounts of heat exchange at the first heat exchanger 185 and the second heat exchanger 186.
(4-4) Operation of Air Conditioner 101 for Vehicle
Next, the operations of the air conditioner 101 for a vehicle when, as an air-conditioning operation of the interior of the vehicle, a cooling operation is performed, a humidifying and heating operation is performed, a heating operation is performed, and a defrosting operation is performed are described.
(4-4-1) Cooling Mode
The arrows in
The valve opening degree of the first control valve 183 is controlled so that the degree of superheating on an outlet side of the first heat exchanger 185 becomes a predetermined value. Further, the valve opening degree of the second control valve 187 is controlled so that the degree of superheating on an outlet side of the second heat exchanger 186 becomes a predetermined value.
A high-pressure gas refrigerant 2Discharged from the compressor 180 exchanges heat with outside air at the outside-air heat exchanger 182, is cooled, and is condensed. After a high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out from the outside-air heat exchanger 182 has been decompressed at the first control valve 183, the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant pipe 123a, and reaches the first heat exchanger 185 or flows through the branch pipe 122 at a location partway in the refrigerant pipe 123a.
The refrigerant that has reached the first heat exchanger 185 exchanges heat with air in the interior of the vehicle that is blown by the fan 184, and the liquid refrigerant 2Evaporates and cools the air, as a result of which the interior of the vehicle is cooled. An evaporated gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 180 via the four-way switching valve 181.
On the other hand, the liquid refrigerant that has reached the branch pipe 122 flows into the second heat exchanger 186 via the second control valve 187. Then, the refrigerant that has flowed into the second heat exchanger 186 exchanges heat with air in the interior of the vehicle that is blown by the fan 184, and the liquid refrigerant 2Evaporates and cools the air, as a result of which the interior of the vehicle is cooled. An evaporated gas refrigerant merges with a refrigerant that flows in the intake-side refrigerant pipe 124, and is sucked into the compressor 180.
The refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 110 in this way, and the first heat exchanger 185 and the second heat exchanger 186 function as evaporators, as a result of which the interior of the vehicle can be cooled or dehumidified.
(4-4-2) Dehumidifying Heating Mode
The arrows in
The valve opening degree of the first control valve 183 is controlled so that the degree of superheating on an outlet side of the outside-air heat exchanger 182 becomes a predetermined value. Further, the valve opening degree of the second control valve 187 is adjusted in accordance with the dehumidifying capacity in the interior of the vehicle.
A high-pressure gas refrigerant 2Discharged from the compressor 180 exchanges heat with, at the first heat exchanger 185, air in the interior of the vehicle that is blown by the fan 184, and is condensed and heats the air, as a result of which the interior of the vehicle is heated. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out from the first heat exchanger 185 flows through the refrigerant pipe 123a, and reaches the first control valve 183 or flows through the branch pipe 122 at a location partway in the refrigerant pipe 123a.
After the liquid refrigerant that has reached the first control valve 183 has been decompressed at the first control valve 183, the liquid refrigerant flows into the outside-air heat exchanger 182. In the outside-air heat exchanger 182, the liquid refrigerant that has flowed in evaporates by exchanging heat with outside air. An evaporated gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 180 via the four-way switching valve 181.
On the other hand, after the liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the branch pipe 122 has been decompressed at the second control valve 187, the liquid refrigerant flows into the second heat exchanger 186. Then, the refrigerant that has flowed into the second heat exchanger 186 exchanges heat with air in the interior of the vehicle that is blown by the fan 184, and the liquid refrigerant 2Evaporates and cools the air, as a result of which the interior of the vehicle is dehumidified. An evaporated gas refrigerant merges with a refrigerant that flows in the intake-side refrigerant pipe 124, and is sucked into the compressor 180.
The refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 110 in this way; and the first heat exchanger 185 functions as a condenser, as a result of which the interior of the vehicle can be heated, and the second heat exchanger 186 functions as an evaporator, as a result of which the interior of the vehicle can be dehumidified.
(4-4-3) Heating Mode
Since the heating mode is a mode in which the dehumidifying operation in the dehumidifying heating mode in
The valve opening degree of the first control valve 183 is controlled so that the degree of superheating on the outlet side of the outside-air heat exchanger 182 becomes a predetermined value. The second control valve 187 is in a fully closed state.
A high-pressure gas refrigerant 2Discharged from the compressor 180 exchanges heat with, at the first heat exchanger 185, air in the interior of the vehicle that is blown by the fan 184, and is condensed and heats the air, as a result of which the interior of the vehicle is heated. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out from the first heat exchanger 185 flows into the refrigerant pipe 123a and reaches the first control valve 183. Note that since the second control valve 187 is in a fully closed state, the refrigerant will not flow into the branch pipe 122 at a location partway in the refrigerant pipe 123a.
After the liquid refrigerant that has reached the first control valve 183 has been decompressed at the first control valve 183, the liquid refrigerant flows into the outside-air heat exchanger 182. In the outside-air heat exchanger 182, the liquid refrigerant that has flowed in evaporates by exchanging heat with outside air. An evaporated gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 180 via the four-way switching valve 181.
The refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 110 in this way and the first heat exchanger 185 functions as a condenser, as a result of which the interior of the vehicle can be heated.
Since the defrosting mode is a mode in which the first control valve 183 and the second control valve 187 are in a fully open state in the flow of the refrigerant in the cooling mode in
A refrigerant compressed at the compressor 180 is discharged as a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The refrigerant 2Discharged from the compressor 180 flows into the outside-air heat exchanger 182. Therefore, the refrigerant 2Dissipates heat at the outside-air heat exchanger 182, as a result of which it is possible to raise the temperature of the outside-air heat exchanger 182 and perform defrosting.
The refrigerant that has flowed out from the outside-air heat exchanger 182 flows through the fully-open first control valve 183, the refrigerant pipe 123a, and the first heat exchanger 185, and is sucked into the compressor 180 via the four-way switching valve 181.
On the other hand, a liquid refrigerant that has reached the branch pipe 122 flows through the fully-open second control valve 187 and the second heat exchanger 186, merges with a refrigerant that flows through the intake-side refrigerant pipe 124, and is sucked into the compressor 180.
(4-5) Modifications
In the second embodiment, the first heat exchanger 185 and the second heat exchanger 186 are provided side by side as heat exchangers for inside air, the first heat exchanger 185 is caused to function as a condenser, and the second heat exchanger 186 is caused to function as an evaporator to make it possible to dehumidify and heat at the same time.
However, the configuration is not limited thereto. Two heat exchangers may be provided in series, and an expansion mechanism may be provided between these two heat exchangers.
Here, an operation in the dehumidifying heating mode is described as an example. In the air conditioner 101 for a vehicle, a refrigerant is decompressed by the control valve 287, the first heat exchanger 285 is caused to function as a condenser, and the second heat exchanger 286 and the outside-air heat exchanger 282 are caused to function as evaporators. Therefore, it is possible to dehumidify and heat the interior of the vehicle.
(4-6) Features
(4-6-1)
The air conditioner 101 for a vehicle includes the refrigerant circuit 110 in which a refrigerant that contains at least 1,2-difluoroethylene is sealed.
(4-6-2)
The air conditioner 101 for a vehicle includes the refrigerant circuit 110 in which a mixed refrigerant that contains at least 1132(E), 1234yf, and R32 is sealed.
(4-6-3)
The air conditioner 101 for a vehicle includes the refrigerant circuit 110 in which a refrigerant that contains at least 1132(E), 1123, and R1234yf is sealed.
(4-6-4)
The air conditioner 101 for a vehicle includes the refrigerant circuit 110 in which a refrigerant that contains at least 1132(E)/1234yf is sealed.
(4-6-5)
The air conditioner 101 for a vehicle includes the refrigerant circuit 110 in which a refrigerant that contains at least 1132a, R32, and R1234yf is sealed.
(4-6-6)
The air conditioner 101 for a vehicle includes the refrigerant circuit 110 in which a refrigerant that contains at least R32, R125, R1234yf, R134a, and CO2 is sealed.
The refrigerant circuit may be a refrigerant circuit that uses an economizer heat exchanger and an injection valve.
The economizer heat exchanger has a first flow path and a second flow path, and is configured to exchange heat with a refrigerant that flows in the first flow path and a refrigerant that flows in the second flow path.
The first flow path constitutes a part of a liquid refrigerant pipe. The second flow path constitutes a part of an injection flow path. The injection flow path is a refrigerant flow path that connects the liquid refrigerant pipe and a compression chamber during compression of the compressor to each other. The injection flow path is a refrigerant flow path that branches off from the liquid refrigerant pipe, and that communicates with the compression chamber during compression of the compression mechanism of the compressor.
The injection valve is, for example, an electrically powered valve whose opening degree is capable of being adjusted. The injection valve is provided at a portion, at which the liquid refrigerant pipe and the second flow path of the economizer heat exchanger are connected to each other, of the injection flow path.
When the injection valve is opened, a refrigerant that has branched off from the liquid refrigerant pipe and that has passed through the injection valve flows into the second flow path of the economizer heat exchanger. Then, the refrigerant that has flowed into the second flow path exchanges heat with a refrigerant that flows in the first flow path, becomes a gas-phase refrigerant, and is supplied to the compression chamber during the compression of the compression mechanism of the compressor.
Although the embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, it is to be understood that various changes can be made in the forms and details without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present disclosure described in the claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-134448 | Jul 2018 | JP | national |
| 2018-227398 | Dec 2018 | JP | national |
| 2018-230259 | Dec 2018 | JP | national |
| 2019-013974 | Jan 2019 | JP | national |
| 2019-013979 | Jan 2019 | JP | national |
| 2019-018617 | Feb 2019 | JP | national |
| 2019-019701 | Feb 2019 | JP | national |
| 2019-078133 | Apr 2019 | JP | national |
| 2019-084708 | Apr 2019 | JP | national |
| 2019-112408 | Jun 2019 | JP | national |
| 2019-115584 | Jun 2019 | JP | national |
| PCT/JP2019/027031 | Jul 2019 | WO | international |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17260775 | Jan 2021 | US |
| Child | 18426596 | US |
