Tribology analysis and the effect of molybdenum disulphide lubricant additive on the performance of VCR system

Abstract

ABSTRACT The refrigeration sector consumes high energy across the globe. At the same time, various studies have been conducted so far to reduce energy consumption and increase the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of Vapour Compression Refrigeration (VCR) systems. Nanoparticles have been proved to optimise its performance, especially molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) possesses excellent physical and chemical properties for the practical development of better nanolubricant. In this background, the current study focused on investigating the impact of MoS2 nanoparticles blended with Polyolester (POE) oil with varying concentrations (0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.15%). The stability of the nanolubricant was measured using the zeta potential value. The study results found that the optimal nanoparticle concentration, i.e. 0.05%, corresponds to the minimum coefficient of friction. There was a decline observed in work input up to 12.46%, with an increase in heat removal rate up to 9.15%. COP got enhanced up to a maximum of 20% in the case of lubricant with optimal nanoparticle volume concentration (0.05%). Based on study outcomes, the authors suggest that MoS2 nanoparticle can be used in the future as a viable nanolubricant to enhance the performance of the VCR system.