Effect of Addition of Different Mass Fractions of CuO Nano Particles in Compressor oil upon COP of the Refrigeration System

Abstract

Nano fluids are produced by mixing particles of nano dimensions in the standard fluids. Thermal conductivities of the nanofluids are higher than that of the base fluids. These are the properties which makes nanofluids unique and superior to normal solid liquid suspensions. i) heat transfer between the particles and fluid is higher due to the high surface area of the particles ii) enhanced dispersion stability with pre-eminent Brownian motion iii) particle clogging is minimized iv) Power required for pumping is less as compared to the base fluid for proportionate heat transfer. In this project Cu0 nanoparticles of size 20nm-50nm has been used as Nano lubricant for performance study of Refrigeration test rig. CuO nanoparticles are mixed in POE oil (Compressor oil) to form the nanolubricant. The nanolubricant so formed is further stabilized by Ultrasonic agitation. Nano lubricants with specific mass fractions 0.30%, 0.70%, 1.05%, 1.4% are added in the compressor oil and the experimentation is carried out which shows significant improvement in the performance of refrigeration system. Compressor work is reduced and consequently COP of refrigeration system is improved.