Nanoparticles in Refrigerants Could Boost Cooling Efficiency, Reduce Energy Costs
Nanorefrigerants, a mix of nanoparticles and refrigerant, can improve heat transfer in cooling systems. Researchers compared four Al2O3 nanorefrigerants with regular refrigerants in a cooling cycle. Adding nanoparticles boosted heat transfer, increased cooling power, cut compressor energy use, and enhanced system performance. The best improvement was seen with R1233zd(E) + Al2O3, followed closely by R134a + Al2O3 and R1234yf + Al2O3. When Al2O3 mass increased to 0.30%, R1233zd(E) and R600a COP increased by over 20%. The highest exergy efficiency was 38.46% for R1233zd(E) + Al2O3, while the lowest was 27.06% for pure R1234yf. These results support using nanorefrigerants in cooling systems.