Experimental studies on vapour compression refrigeration system using Al2O3/mineral oil nano-lubricant

Abstract

ABSTRACT Nowadays, in many developing countries like India they are facing the shortage of energy. The Refrigeration system has become the major consumer of energy for many industrial as well as household applications. So, it is the need to enhance the energy efficiency of the refrigeration systems. Performance of the refrigeration system can be improved either by increasing the rate of heat absorption in evaporator or by reducing the compressor power. Use of efficient lubricant oil can help to remove the heat generated in the compression process which leads to less power consumption. Development in Nanotechnology makes it possible to develop a new class of lubricant called nanolubricant, in which nanoparticles are added in base lubricant oil to enhance the thermal properties. The two step technique with ultrasonic agitation force is used to synthesise stable nanolubricant.The present study investigates the performance of a R-134a refrigerant vapour compression refrigeration system using nanolubricant with different volume concentrations (0.05%, 0.075%, 0.1% and 0.2%) of Al2O3 to mineral oil (MO) experimentally. The result shows maximum enhancement in COP approximately as 85% for 0.075 % volume fraction Nano lubricant as compared to base fluid. Use of nanolubricant saves approximately 27% compressor power.