A review of increasing efficiency and reducing energy consumption in Domestic refrigeration systems using nano-refrigerants
Subject Areas : Journal of New Applied and Computational Findings in Mechanical Systems
Majid Jalilian
1
,
mohammad hassan kamyab
2
,
Hamed sharifidoost
3
1 - Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Water and Energy, Imam Hossein University
2 - Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Water and Energy, Imam Hossein University
3 - Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Water and Energy, Imam Hossein University
Keywords: Nano-refrigerants, Energy consumption, Domestic Refrigeration Systems, Heat Transfer,
Abstract :
This study addresses the growing demand for cooling systems, especially household refrigerators, driven by rising global temperatures, economic growth, and urbanization. Domestic refrigerators are significant energy consumers, impacting both energy usage and household expenses. This research examines the influence of nanofluids with unique thermophysical and thermal properties on refrigerator cooling systems. The findings suggest that incorporating nanoparticles into refrigerants enhances cooling capacity while reducing compressor input power, leading to improved system efficiency. However, challenges such as nanoparticle stability, uniform distribution, agglomeration, and sedimentation may negatively affect performance. Results indicate that the thermal conductivity of nano-refrigerants increases with smaller particle size and higher temperatures. Moreover, nanofluids can enhance heat transfer efficiency, minimize compressor run-time, and reduce energy consumption—vital for continuously operating refrigeration systems. The analysis reveals that nano-refrigerant viscosity rises with increased particle volume fraction and decreases with temperature. In the SWCNT/R-134a nano-refrigerant, thermal conductivity improved by approximately 43% at 325 K with a 5% volume concentration. For 300 K and a 1% concentration, thermal conductivity showed only a 4% increase. Similarly, the viscosity of R123-TiO₂ nano-refrigerant was highest at 300 K with a 2% particle fraction. These findings underscore the potential of nano-refrigerants, combined with local conditions and climate adaptability, to substantially enhance the efficiency of domestic refrigeration systems
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