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The issue of global warming prompts us to consider some questions related to energy supply and use. Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC) is a suitable technology for converting low-grade thermal energy into electrical energy, vital for conserving energy and mitigating emissions. Currently, most environmentally friendly working fluids are characterized by their flammability. Analyzing the minimum ignition energy (MIE) of these working fluids is crucial in guaranteeing secure utilization. This paper introduced a novel approach to predicting the MIE of flammable working fluids using microscopic molecular structure analysis. Firstly, the bond energy of molecules was derived by optimizing the microscopic molecular structure of prevalent combustible agents based on the density functional theory (DFT), which was employed to calculate the heat of combustion. Secondly, a mathematical model for predicting the MIE of combustible working fluids was constructed, drawing inspiration from the energy relationship during combustion. Then, the newly formulated model was used to predict the MIE of propane and nine other combustible working fluids, and the results were compared with the existing data. The results show that the predicted values of the MIE exhibit an impressive accuracy rate exceeding 95%. Finally, the MIE prediction model has been modified to provide higher prediction accuracy. This study is of great significance to ensure the safe application of combustible working fluids and to explore environmentally friendly alternatives. [Display omitted] • A new method for predicting the MIE based on molecular structure was proposed. • The molecular structure was optimized based on density functional theory. • The mathematical model has a prediction accuracy of more than 95 %. • The model can predict the ignition energy of substances outside the database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO 2 /C 3 H 6 mixture has a wide range of applications in refrigeration systems, heat pumps and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems, but its flammability safety needs to be considered. An experimental and computational investigation has been conducted on the determination of the flammability limits of CO 2 /C 3 H 6 and on the understanding of associated limit phenomena in general. We tested the flammable zone of CO 2 /C 3 H 6 at variable initial temperature. The accuracy of the prediction model of calculation adiabatic flame temperature were verified based on the experimental data. Meanwhile, a high-speed camera was used to record the process of CO 2 suppression of flame propagation near flammability limit. Furthermore, based on kinetic numerical calculation, the effect of CO 2 chemical and thermal on the flammability limit of C 3 H 6 were analyzed. The results show that the thermal effect of CO 2 is greater than that of chemical effect near the flammability limit. The theory of chemical reactivity inhibition reduces the yield and molar ratio of key radicals. The addition of CO 2 can inhibit the activity of the dominant chain and increase the activity of the dominant chain termination reaction in the global combustion kinetics. Results of this study provide theoretical guidance for the safe application of CO 2 /C 3 H 6 mixture. • The higher the ambient temperature, the larger the CO 2 /C 3 H 6 flammable zone is. • Validation of the accuracy of calculated adiabatic flame models. • Introducing innovative computational strategies to clarify CO 2 suppression theory. • The thermal inhibition effect of CO 2 is more significant than the chemical effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Flammability limits of the new binary mixture R1234ze(E)/R32 was measured. • Oxidative decomposition and interaction mechanisms of R234ze(E)/R32 were studied. • R32 decomposes preferentially and R1234ze(E) is more likely to react with radicals. • CF 3 plays an important role in R1234ze(E) inhibiting flammability of R32. At present, mixed working fluids have received increasing attention due to their excellent comprehensive performance. Among them, R1234ze(E) (trans -1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) and the R32 (difluoromethane) with excellent thermal properties can form a safe and environmentally friendly new mixture through advantageous complementarity. In this paper, the flammability of the binary mixture R1234ze(E)/R32 mentioned above was studied. Firstly, the flammability limits and critical concentration inhibition ratio of R1234ze(E)/R32 were tested at different ratios. Then, based on density functional theory (DFT), the interaction mechanism between the two components in the mixture was analyzed. The results show that with the increase of R1234ze(E), the flammable limit range becomes narrower. In the early stage of the reaction between R1234ze(E)/R32, R32 preferentially breaks the bond to generate H and F radicals, but the reactions between R1234ze(E) and free radicals are dominant. CF 3 radical is an important free radical for R1234ze(E) to inhibit the flammability of R32. The research results will have guiding significance for the internal interaction mechanism of the flammability of new binary mixtures and their safe applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]