Tomsk, Russia – Researchers at Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) have developed a groundbreaking non-toxic and non-flammable refrigerant mixture that promises to overcome one of the most significant hurdles in sustainable cooling. By blending carbon dioxide (R744) with dimethyl ether (DME), the team has created a solution that significantly enhances system efficiency while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint, positioning it as a leading candidate in the global shift to next-generation refrigerants.
The innovation addresses a critical industry challenge: the transition away from high-global-warming-potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) mandated by international agreements like the Kigali Amendment. As nations worldwide enforce stricter regulations on refrigerants, TPU’s mixture offers a safe, efficient, and environmentally sound alternative for the future of refrigeration and air conditioning.
The Science Behind the Innovation
The core of TPU’s achievement lies in a carefully calibrated mixture that leverages the strengths of both components while mitigating their individual limitations.
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Environmental Credentials: The blend uses CO₂ (R744), a natural refrigerant with a GWP of 1 and zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), making it one of the most environmentally benign substances available.
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The Efficiency Booster: Dimethyl ether (DME), also known as RE170, is a refrigerant with a GWP of 1 and possesses excellent thermodynamic properties, including high solubility in polymers and favorable heat transfer coefficients. Its primary role in the mixture is to enhance the overall system efficiency.
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The Optimal Blend: TPU’s research has identified a specific mass fraction of 8% DME as the optimal formulation. At this concentration, the mixture achieves a remarkable 25% improvement in the Coefficient of Performance (COP) compared to a pure CO₂ system . This translates directly to a 25% reduction in energy consumption for the same cooling output, a key factor in operational cost savings and overall sustainability.
A Safe and Practical Solution for Widespread Adoption
A pivotal finding of the research is the mixture’s non-flammable nature at the 8% DME concentration. This safety characteristic is a significant advantage over other low-GWP alternatives like pure hydrocarbons (e.g., propane R290) or some HFO blends, which are highly flammable and require stringent safety measures.
This non-flammable property, combined with the non-toxic nature of both components, makes the blend a practical and lower-risk option for a wide range of applications, including:
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Commercial refrigeration in supermarkets and food retail
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Industrial cooling and heat pumps
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Residential and commercial air conditioning systems
Competitive Positioning in the Global Market
TPU’s technology enters a rapidly evolving and competitive global refrigerant market. The following table compares its key attributes against other common refrigerant options:
| Refrigerant | Type | GWP | ODP | Flammability | Key Characteristics |
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| TPU’s CO₂/DME Blend | Natural Blend | 1 | 0 | Non-flammable (at 8% DME) | 25% higher COP than pure CO₂, safe, low environmental impact. |
| R-410A | Synthetic HFC | 2,088+ | 0 | A1 (Non-flammable) | Industry standard being phased out due to high GWP. |
| R-454B / R-32 | Synthetic HFO/HFC | ~466-700 | 0 | A2L (Mildly Flammable) | New industry standard requiring safety upgrades. |
| R-290 (Propane) | Natural | 3 | 0 | A3 (Highly Flammable) | High efficiency but requires strict safety measures due to flammability. |
As shown above, TPU’s blend stands out for its unique combination of ultra-low GWP, non-flammability, and high efficiency.
The Future of Cooling and Heating
This innovation from Tomsk Polytechnic University arrives at a critical juncture. With the HVAC&R industry undergoing a mandatory transition to low-GWP solutions, the search for the ideal balance of performance, safety, and environmental responsibility has been intense.
While the findings for the CO₂/DME mixture are currently based on theoretical models and are pending further experimental validation, they represent a highly promising pathway. The technology has the potential to extend the efficiency and applicability of CO₂-based systems, particularly in warmer climates where pure CO₂ performance has traditionally been a challenge.
By offering a safe, efficient, and sustainable refrigerant, TPU is not just contributing to scientific knowledge but is actively shaping the future of the cooling and heating industry, supporting global efforts to combat climate change through technological innovation.
