Performance evaluation of diamond nanolubricants applied to a refrigeration system

• Published in: International journal of refrigeration Vol. 100; pp. 104 - 112
• Main Authors: Marcucci Pico, David Fernando, da Silva, Leonardo Ribeiro Rosa, Schneider, Paulo Smith, Bandarra Filho, Enio Pedone
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Paris Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2019; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Coefficient de performance; Coefficient of performance; Cooling systems; Diamond nanoparticles; Diamonds; Discharge; Lubricants; Nanolubricants; Nanolubrifiants; Nanoparticles; Nanoparticules de diamant; Performance evaluation; Power consumption; R410A; Refrigeration; Vapor compression refrigeration; Diamond nanoparticles; Nanoparticules de diamant; Coefficient de performance; Nanolubricants; Coefficient of performance; Nanolubrifiants; R410A
• ISSN: 0140-7007; 1879-2081
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2018.12.009

•Heat transfer rate increases with the use of diamond nanolubricants.•Enhancement of the COP of the system.•Reduction of the discharge and oil sump temperatures.•Power consumption remained at the same level using nanolubricant. In this study, the experimental investigation of the use of nanolubricants based on polyol ester (POE) synthetic refrigeration oil and diamond nanoparticles at two mass concentrations, 0.1% and 0.5%, in a vapor compression refrigeration system is performed. An experimental apparatus has been developed in order to study the main parameters of a refrigeration system, such as cooling capacity, power consumption, the coefficient of performance, discharge and oil sump compressor temperatures, when diamond nanoparticles are used as a lubricant additive. The tests were performed under steady state conditions for R410A refrigerant in a scroll type compressor. The evaporation temperature and the input power frequency of the compressor were varied, while the condensation temperature was kept constant. The addition of diamond nanoparticles into the refrigeration system increased the cooling capacity and the coefficient of performance, while the discharge and the oil sump temperatures of the compressor were reduced.