Energy, exergy, environmental, and enviroeconomic (4E) analysis of cascade vapor compression refrigeration systems using nanorefrigerants

Abstract

The refrigerants used in traditional vapor compression refrigeration systems are harmful to the ozone layer and contribute to global warming. The demand for refrigeration is increasing because of global warming. In this study, for the first time, an energy, exergy, environmental, and enviroeconomic (4E) analysis was performed using different refrigerants and nanoparticles to reduce the energy required in low-temperature vapor compression cascade refrigeration systems and to determine more environmentally friendly nanorefrigerants. The R290 refrigerant was used for the Low-Temperature Circuit (LTC), while the High-Temperature Circuit (HTC) used RE170, R1234yf, R600, R600a, and R450A refrigerants. The nanoparticles used in the analysis were Al2O3, CNT, CuO, TiO2, ZnO, and SiO2. The R600 nanorefrigerant performed the best, whereas the R1234yf nanorefrigerant performed the worst. The results indicate that the CuO nanoparticles provided the highest performance. In addition, the results showed that the R290+R600-CuO nanorefrigerant emitted 11 % less CO2 than the pure R290+R600 refrigerant. The nanorefrigerants provide a more environmentally sustainable option because of their high efficiency and lower energy consumption than conventional refrigerants.