Reducing temperature fluctuation of refrigeration system by incorporating nano-phase change materials

Abstract

Currently India is facing the problem of a power outage and its effects on food quality. Also, it damages the refrigerator compressor because of voltage fluctuation. This paper explores the performance improvement of the refrigeration system by using Nano-enhanced Phase Change Material (Nano-PCM). In this experimental work, an attempt has been made to reduce the temperature fluctuation occurred by a power cut OFF as well as because of frequently opening and closing the door of system. The main objective of this research is to improve the cooling performance by prolonging the cut OFF period of the compressor, and also maintain a constant temperature inside the system by using Nano-PCM, viz. (CuO + KCl and CuO + NaCl) by considering water as a base fluid. The usage of Nano-PCM enhances the heat transfer rate of the evaporator side thus improves the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of the refrigeration system. The experiment shows that the evaporator temperature remains constant and is maintained between 3 to 9 °C for 5 to 7 hours after power cut OFF when Nano-PCM is used. While there is a continuous rise in evaporator outlet temperature up to 18 to 24 °C after a power cut off without using Nano-PCM.