Comparative energetic and exergetic analysis of vapour compression refrigeration system with Au, HAuCl4 and CNT nanoparticles.

The steady state thermodynamic investigation of vapour compression refrigeration system (VCRS) using CNT, Au and HAuCl₄ nanoparticles suspended in different proportions in polyalkylene glycol lubricant is carried out and presented in this paper. The most commonly adopted R134a refrigerant is used in the system. The energetic and exergetic analysis are performed for nanoparticles with different volume fractions viz. 0.1% Au, 0.2% Au, 0.1% HAuCl₄, 0.2% HAuCl₄, 0.1% Au and 0.05% CNT, 0.2% Au and 0.02% of CNT. The experimental test rig is fabricated and tested with the different proportions of nanoparticles. Compressor exit temperature and pressure, condenser exit temperature, evaporator inlet and exit temperature are measured. The energy and exergy efficiency of the system components, cooling capacity, compressor power input and coefficient of performance (COP) of the system are obtained. The suspension of Au, HAuCl₄ and CNT nanoparticles up to 0.2% and combination of Au(0.1%, 0.2%) and CNT(0.02%, 0.05%) increases the heat transfer characteristics and thereby system functioning. From the results it is established that the power input decreases by 16.7%, COP increases by 21.3% and the second law efficiency increases by 11.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]