Review on the Energy and Exergy Analysis of Vapour Compression Refrigeration System Using Nanolubricant

Abstract

The vapour compression refrigeration system (VCRS) is an energy system used for preservation and cooling of household, agricultural and industrial products but the energy consumption of the system is high globally. With this challenge, the need to reduce the energy consumed and enhance its performance becomes eminent. The thermal conductivity of heat transfer fluids plays a significant role in the heat transfer characteristics of the fluid and the overall performance of an energy system. The low thermal conductivity of refrigerant can be enhanced by dispersing nanoparticles into the refrigerant. The use of nano refrigerant or nano lubricant has been found to be useful in the reduction of energy consumption and enhancement of the VCRS performance. This review discusses the energy and exergy performance of the VCRS with the aim of identifying some critical factors that affects the performance optimization and exergy destruction within the system.