Author(s)

HICHAM MACHMOUCHI, RAVISHANKAR PILLAI

Abstract

In order to achieve better enhancement, reliability and efficiency of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, researchers have effectively utilized the application of nanoparticles in cooling systems due to higher heat transfer and thermo-physical capabilities. Conventional refrigerants are considered as one of the factors that contribute to global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP) resulting in global warming. Many research organizations recommend the utilization of the application of nano refrigerants in refrigeration systems. In this paper, a study on vapor compression refrigeration system with nanoparticles mixed with R134a refrigerant is conducted, the coefficient of the performance and refrigeration effects of the system are determined from the existing observations without the addition of nanoparticles. Aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles are considered and utilized here to calculate coefficient of performance (COP) and refrigeration effects. Nanoparticles that depict higher COP result in energy savings. On the other hand, nanoparticles that depict lower COP, result in higher consumption of power. The resulting performance of the system showed apparent improvement by replacing conventional refrigerants with nano refrigerants. It is therefore, concluded that the COP of refrigeration system with added nano additives in refrigerant fluid is higher than that of systems running with pure refrigerant fluid. In addition, the energy of the refrigeration systems is reduced due to the addition of nanoparticles in refrigerant fluid. Around 38% increase in COP was recorded in this study. Moreover, CuO nanoparticles showed high value of COP when blended with R134a compared to other nanoparticles. COP of the refrigeration systems vary with the type of refrigerants used in the system.

Keywords

vapor compression refrigeration, nanoparticles, nano refrigerant, ozone depletion potential, surface temperature