A detailed performance assessment of Al2O3-SiO2-B mono and binary nanolubricants used in vapor compression refrigeration system

Abstract

The world’s energy needs have become important in the last decades. However, energy consumption in developed countries is increasing every year. Around 40% of the world’s energy consumption comes from buildings. The majority of this rate is due to the energy consumed by heating, cooling, and air conditioning systems. Many detailed studies have been conducted on energy efficiency in these systems where energy consumption is so high. Small improvements in these systems would lead to large energy savings on a global scale. When heating, cooling, and air conditioning systems are examined in detail, compressors consume the largest energy consumption. Interventions that affect compressor performance will yield results that are more positive. The performances of mono and binary nanolubricants acquired from various nanoparticles (Al₂O₃, SiO_2, and B) used in different fractions (0.5 mass% and 1 mass%) in the vapor compression refrigeration system (VCRS) were evaluated in this study. As a result, a 14.81% increase in the COP of the system was obtained in 1 mass% Al₂O₃-SiO₂ binary nanolubricant compared to POE. The compressor’s energy consumption in the experimental system decreased by 19.53% with 1 mass% Al₂O₃-SiO₂ binary nanolubricant referred to POE. An improvement of 13.58% was achieved in 1 mass% Al₂O₃-SiO₂ binary nanolubricant when the exergy efficiency of the VCRS was referred with POE. The best exergoeconomic performance was seen in 1% Al₂O₃-SiO₂ binary nanolubricant with 13.22% increase compared to POE. The best environmental performance was acquired with 19.53% reduction in 1 mass% Al₂O₃-SiO₂ binary nanolubricant. Consequently, the binary nanoparticle positively affects the VCRS performance in many aspects.