Enhancement performance of vapor compression system using nano copper oxide lubricant inside compressor and a fluidized bed for condenser cooling

Abstract

The current work focuses on the experimental research of a vapor compression cycle using Polyol Oil Ester (POE) with nano copper oxide (CuO) and a fluidized bed for condenser cooling to enhance its performance. The efficiencies of the modified and normal systems using only POE oil have been compared to present the actions of using nano CuO and a fluidized bed. Three volume fractions of CuO 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% have been used. The fluidized bed contained a uniform particle size (0.5 mm) to sink heat from the condenser, where the bed height was 2.5 mm to get good mixing of particles. The experiment outcomes indicated that adding nanoparticles to the lubricant and using a fluidized bed for condenser cooling improves the refrigeration system's performance. The results demonstrated that employing nano-lubricant (POE oil+0.5% CuO) rather than just POE oil boosted the coefficient of performance of the system by approximately 15.96% while reducing power consumption by 50%. Also, the refrigeration impact was raised, and the compressor's performance was reduced with the volume fractions of CuO rising.