Abstract: Several studies carried out previously showed that the performance analyses of refrigeration systems were investigated based on only the first law of thermodynamics and to calculate the actual loss due to irreversibility in the system, exergy analysis based on second law of thermodynamics is essential. Incorporation of Nano particles in the refrigerants has been observed as a means of reducing irreversibility and improving the performance of Vapour Compression Refrigeration Systems (VCRSs). This study describes a thermal modeling of VCRS where refrigerants HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf are fluids in primary circuit and the copper oxide nanoparticle is the fluid in the secondary circuit. A computational simulation program was used to solve the non-linear equations for the main system components such as compressor, condenser, expansion device and evaporator. It also uses thermophysical properties of HFC-134a, HFO-1234yf and CuO nanoparticle. It’s size and the compressor speed to predict the secondary fluids output temperatures, the operating pressures, the compressor power consumption and the system overall energy performance. Results of this study show that the highest improved coefficient of performance is 14.65% in HFC-134a mixed with nanoparticles as compared to the value without nanoparticles. Similarly, it was also observed that second law performance improvement of exergy efficiency range is 11.6% to 12.9% and it’s higher in HFC-134a mixture. The reduction in the irreversibility in terms of exergy destruction ratio in the system is 21.4% using the HFC-134a mixture and 18.5% using the HFO-1234yf. Although the mixture of CuO in HFC-134a shows a higher performance in most cases of the system, the HFO-1234yf can be a good replacement for the HFC-134a because of its low GWP and its environmental friendly properties.
Keywords: Nano particles, Refrigerants, vapour compression refrigeration system, exergy efficiency, exergy destruction rate.
Title: Energy and Exergy Analysis of a Copper Oxide Nanoparticle Enhanced Vapour Compression Refrigeration System Using HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf as Refrigerants
Author: K.M, Odunfa, O.A, Opafunso, T.A Adeyi
International Journal of Mechanical and Industrial Technology
ISSN 2348-7593 (Online)
Vol. 10, Issue 1, April 2022 - September 2022
Page No: 36-52
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 30-August-2022
