Influence of Al2O3 Nano-particles Additives in R134a Refrigerant for Vapour Compression Refrigeration System

Nanoparticles’ effect on refrigeration is one of the key interests in research. This project focused on the effect of Al2O3 on a vapor compression refrigeration system’s performance. Its main interest entailed assessing the change in energy consumption and cooling effect by using R134a refrigerant, commonly used in vapor compression refrigeration systems. The experimental analysis included 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% addition of 78nm nanoparticles. The stability was measured through visual inspection by noting the time when sedimentation traces were visible. The sedimentation period was noted as 94 hours using the ultrasonication method. Moreover, changes in power input, pressure ratio, and coefficient of performance (COP) were examined and compared with un-doped R134a. The study noted a considerable increase in the pressure ratio following an increase in nanoparticles percentage. For instance, a 67.1% improvement was noted with 1% nanoparticles addition. Similarly, the study noted a significant reduction in the power input after adding nanoparticles. For instance, approximately 8.27% power input reduction was recorded with the addition of 1% Al2O3. This was due to the improved nanoparticles’ heat transfer characteristics. For instance, the COP was improved by 50% with 1% of Al2O3 compared with the system’s COP without any nanoparticles. The improvement mainly resulted from the reduction in power input. © 2022. MechAero Foundation for Technical Research & Education Excellence.