Performance of a Domestic Refrigerator infused with Safe Charge of R600a refrigerant and various concentrations of TiO2 nanolubricants

Widespread adoptions of hydrocarbon-based refrigerants in domestic refrigerators are limited due to lack of economically viable flammability risk reduction methodology. This study presents an experimental investigation of a safe R600a refrigerant mass charge of 30 g and various concentrations of TiO2 nano-lubricants (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6g/L) in a slightly modified R134a domestic refrigerator. Performance parameters investigated at selected evaporator temperatures were instantaneous and mean power consumption, per power ton refrigeration (PPTR), discharge temperature and coefficient of performance (COP) respectively. Findings showed that the mean PPTR and power consumption range were 0.79 - 1.05 and 73 - 86.33 W. In addition, mean discharge temperature and COP range were 50 - 62oC and 3.23 - 4.03 respectively. In conclusion, the adoption of TiO2 nanoparticles enhanced the cooling rate and energy saving potential of the system considerably