Thermodynamic Investigation of the Performance of a Vapour Compression Refrigeration System Using Nano lubricant

The vapour compression refrigeration (VCR) system is widely used in various industrial and domestic applications, including air conditioning, refrigeration, and heat pumping. However, the VCR system's performance is significantly affected by the properties of the lubricant used in the compressor. Conventional lubricants can lead to reduced system efficiency, increased energy consumption, and environmental concerns. This research delves into a comprehensive thermodynamic investigation of a vapor compression refrigeration system, integrating titanium-dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles into a conventional base lubricant (mineral oil) to enhance overall system performance. The study involves a systematic examination of the refrigeration system under varying mass charges (50-70) g of R600a refrigerant. The use of reference fluid thermodynamic and transport properties database (REFPROP) was adapted in obtaining the properties needed for calculating the values of the thermodynamic parameters for the investigation. The four major components of refrigerator were instrumented at the inlet and outlet with thermocouples and pressure gauges connected to the suction and discharge of the compressor. The coefficient of performance, work of compressor, exergy efficiency, sustainability index and total irreversibility of the system were analyzed against the thermodynamic parameters. From the result obtained using 0.4g/L TiO2 Nano-lubricant in the system with varying mass charge (50-70)g R600a refrigerant , it was observed that the COP of the system for 60g of R600a was 54.5% higher in comparison with 50g and 70g of R600a mass charges, the work of the compressor decreased more by 14.01% for 50g of R600a in comparison with 60 and 70g mass charges, the exergy efficiency of the system increased and highest for 70g R600a by 40% in comparison with 50 and 60g mass charges , sustainability index increased and highest for 70g R600a by 39% in comparison with 50 and 60g, the total exergy destruction of the system decreased more by 8.69% for 70g R600a in comparison with 50 and 60g mass charges.