Performance analysis of R1234yf and R600a refrigerant mixtures with Al₂O₃ and ZnO nano-additive enhanced compressor oils as alternatives to R134a
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24425/ather.2025.156588Abstract
The shift towards environmentally sustainable refrigerants is driven by the need to mitigate the impact of traditional refrigerants like R134a, which have high global warming potential. This study experimentally explores the performance of alternative refrigerants, R1234yf and R600a, when combined with compressor oils enhanced by Al₂O₃ and ZnO nanoparticles. A novel approach of using a hybrid nanofluid, incorporating both Al₂O₃ and ZnO nanoparticles, is proposed to optimise the performance of vapour compression refrigeration systems. The research involved preparing and characterising nano-additive compressor oils and evaluating their effects on key thermodynamic parameters across R1234yf and R600a refrigerants. The main objective of this study is to experimentally evaluate the impact of Al₂O₃ and ZnO nano-enhanced oils on refrigeration system performance, focusing on net refrigeration effect, compressor work, mass flow rate, theoretical compressor power, and coefficient of performance. The results indicate significant improvements in the coefficient of performance, mass flow rate, and net refrigeration effect with the inclusion of nanoparticles in the refrigeration lubrication system. Particularly, the coefficient of performance increased from 2.71 to 3.34 for R134a, from 2.46 to 3.26 for R1234yf, and from 2.62 to 3.12 for R600a with the optimal nanoparticle combination (0.15g Al₂O₃ + 0.05g ZnO). Similarly, compressor power and work of compression were notably reduced, demonstrating enhanced energy efficiency. The optimal mixture (COA0.15Z0.05) shows the highest coefficient of performance and reduced work of compression across all refrigerants. The study highlights that the hybrid nanoparticle approach not only boosts the performance of these refrigerants but also contributes to lower energy consumption and improved cooling efficiency.References
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