2Professor- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mohan Babu University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh,515001, India
3Department of Mechanical Engineering, JNTUK, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, 515001, India
Abstract
Analysis on the need for sustainable and energy-efficient cooling mechanisms has fuelled a drive towards developing sustainable vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) systems. Experimental advancement of VCR systems is accomplished using Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles, which are widely known for their high coefficient of performance (COP) and operational efficiency. This research studied the influence of TiO₂ nanoparticles poised in mineral oil on a VCR system utilizing a refrigerant mixture of R600a and R290 (60:40 mass ratio). The COP of the cooling system whenever nanoparticles were implemented and when they were not measured with the capillary tube lengths being 8, 10, 12, and 14 feet through pull-down and performance test, respectively. The outcomes show that the adding of nanoparticles can raise the heat transfer rates in the evaporator and condenser, resulting in a macrophenomenon with a maximum COP enhancement of 8% at 10 foot for the capillary length. More to the point, the nano refrigerant at this optimum length proved superior over the conventional R600a/R290 in system performance (7.1% increase) and compressor power consumption (7.14% decrease). Longer capillary tubes (12 and 14 feet) were not as effective, which led to increased power consumption and less refrigeration effect. The work identified challenges as well with nanoparticle dispersion and compressor lubricant compatibility. This paper presents a pathway to sustainable refrigeration by enhancing energy efficiency and operational performance through the optimization of the length of capillaries, which play a important role in the operation of nanoparticle-augmented VCR systems.

