YUJI AMERICA CORP.
Nationwide Chemical Solutions
Refrigeration & Working Fluid
What Are Refrigerants and Working Fluids?
A refrigerant absorbs and releases heat as it circulates through a refrigeration or air-conditioning system. In a typical vapor-compression cycle, it evaporates to absorb heat and condenses to release it, allowing the system to cool a space, product, or process.
“Working fluid” is a broader term for a fluid that transfers energy within a system. Refrigerants are working fluids, but the term also includes fluids used in heat pumps and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems for heat recovery and power generation.
HFO-based refrigerants and working fluids offer low-GWP alternatives to higher-GWP HFCs. Choosing a suitable fluid requires matching its thermodynamic properties to the equipment and operating temperature range.
Applications of HFO Refrigerants and Working Fluids
Automotive Air Conditioning
R-1234yf, also known as HFO-1234yf, is used in automotive and mobile air-conditioning systems designed for this refrigerant. It provides a low-GWP alternative to R-134a while serving the cooling requirements of vehicle cabins.
Explore R-1234yf Refrigerant — Yucleo YF for product properties and packaging options.
Chillers and Commercial Cooling
HFO-1234ze(E) is used in appropriately designed air-cooled and water-cooled chillers. Applications include commercial building cooling and industrial process temperature control.
Fluid selection depends on cooling capacity, operating pressures, compressor design, and the required temperature range.
Explore HFO-1234ze(E) Refrigerant — Yucleo ZE.
Heat Pumps and Industrial Heating
Heat pumps transfer heat from a lower-temperature source to a higher-temperature destination. HFO working fluids can support heating applications where their properties match the required heat-source and delivery temperatures.
HFO-1234ze(E), HFO-1234ze(Z), and HFO-1336mzz(E) serve different operating ranges and should be evaluated against the specific system requirements.
Waste Heat Recovery and Organic Rankine Cycles
Waste heat recovery systems capture thermal energy from industrial processes or other heat sources. An Organic Rankine Cycle uses a working fluid to convert part of that energy into mechanical power or electricity.
HFO-1336mzz(E) and HFO-1234ze(Z) have been investigated as low-GWP working-fluid candidates for ORC applications. Suitability depends on heat-source temperature, condensing conditions, thermal stability, and equipment design.
Explore Refrigerants and Working Fluids
Chemical | Product | Application focus |
R-1234yf / HFO-1234yf | Automotive and mobile air conditioning | |
HFO-1234ze(E) | Chillers, commercial cooling, and heat pumps | |
HFO-1336mzz(E) | Working-fluid evaluation for high-temperature heat pumps and waste heat recovery | |
HFO-1234ze(Z) | Heat pumps and specialty working-fluid applications |
How to Select a Refrigerant or Working Fluid
Consider the following factors when comparing products:
Operating conditions: evaporation and condensation temperatures, pressure range, and required capacity.
Thermodynamic properties: boiling point, critical temperature, and heat-transfer performance.
System compatibility: compressor, lubricant, seals, and construction materials.
Safety requirements: refrigerant safety classification and equipment specifications.
Environmental properties: global warming potential and ozone depletion potential.
Product requirements: purity, documentation, packaging, and supply quantity.
A lower GWP does not make fluids interchangeable. Product selection should follow the equipment manufacturer’s requirements and application-specific engineering evaluation.
Discuss Your Application
Looking for an HFO refrigerant or specialty working fluid? Share your application, operating conditions, required quantity, and packaging preference to discuss product specifications and availability.