(R)Evolution of Refrigerants

Area of Science:

• Thermodynamics and Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• The development of refrigerants has been shaped by evolving regulations and technological advancements.
• The search for new refrigerant molecules is a continuous process intertwined with equipment design and property modeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the historical evolution of refrigerant molecules and the factors driving their development.
• To analyze past comprehensive searches for new refrigerants and the tools used in their identification.
• To review the progression of refrigerant property databases like NIST REFPROP.

Main Methods:

• Historical literature review of refrigerant discoveries and development.
• Analysis of three distinct periods of refrigerant searches (1920s, 1980s, 2010s).
• Examination of the role of regulations and technological tools in refrigerant innovation.

Main Results:

• Most "new" refrigerants were identified in scientific literature decades before commercial consideration.
• Past searches often validated existing alternatives rather than discovering entirely novel molecules.
• The evolution of refrigerant technology shows a cyclical pattern, including a return to natural refrigerants.

Conclusions:

• Refrigerant innovation is largely built upon historical chemical knowledge, with regulations and tools guiding rediscovery and application.
• Understanding this historical context is crucial for navigating the future of refrigerant development and selection.
• The NIST REFPROP database has evolved significantly, supporting the accurate calculation of refrigerant properties for modern applications.