Volume 5: Innovative Solutions for Energy Transitions: Part IV

Comparative Performance of R600a-Al2O3-Monanofluids in a Domestic Refrigerator Using R134a Working Fluid Adelekan D.S, Ohunakin O.S, Gill Jatinder, A.A Atayero, Atiba O.E

Abstract

In this study, the energetic performance of a slightly modified R134a domestic refrigerator using a limited mass charge (30g) of R600a refrigerant and various concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g/L) of Al2O3-Mineral oil lubricants was evaluated. Performance evaluated include: cabinet temperature, refrigeration capacity, power consumption and coefficient of performance. Results showed that the application of the Al2O3 based nanolubricants gave lower steady state cabinet temperature, coefficient of performance and refrigeration capacity in comparison to the baseline (0 g/L) lubricant. The energy consumption of the system decreased by 0.7 % for 0.6 g/L concentration and increased by 15-24 % for 0.2 and 0.4 g/L nanolubricant concentrations in comparison to the baseline system. In conclusion, 0.6g/L concentration of Al2O3 based nanolubricants could be used as a substitute within the system.

Keywords Domestic refrigerator, Al2O3 nanolubricant, nanoparticle.