Fluoroketone C2F5C(O)CF(CF3)2 as a Heat Transfer Fluid for Passive and Pumped 2-Phase Applications

C2F5C(O)CF(CF3)2, a new Fluoroketone (FK) working fluid with an atmospheric boiling point of 49degC and Global Warming Potential (GWP) ~1, is proposed as an alternative to Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) for passive and pumped 2-phase systems. Its thermophysical properties are very similar to those of the PFC C6F14C2F5C(O)CF(CF3)2 exhibits low acute toxicity and bears a recommended 8-hour exposure guideline of 150 ppmv. Pool boiling experiments conducted with a porous metallic boiling enhancement at Patm showed h>8 W/cm2-K at >30 W/cm2. Metal corrosion and elastomer compatibility testing show the material to be very inert. 120 hour thermal stability tests conducted with C2F5C(O)CF(CF3)2 at 230degC in sealed glass ampules with copper and aluminum coupons showed purity changes -0.02%. It will hydrolyze in the presence of a separate water phase and the implications of this incompatibility for water-cooled systems require further investigation.