Performance Enhancement of Domestic Refrigeration System Using R-134a Refrigerant Blended with Graphene as Nano Additives

Refrigeration system involved with evaporative heat transfer intends to intensify the cooling effect in domestic applications. In order to reduce the energy consumption and improve the cooling rate, various attempts have been undertaken. In this experiment, the exploitation of a refrigerating system using R-134a as refrigerant has been studied. The study also explains the thermal conductivity, dynamic viscosity and rate of heat transfer of graphene used as nano additives in evaporator tube of a vapour compression refrigeration (VCR) system. The thermal conductivity of base refrigerant rises with rise of temperature to the optimal concentration value of 0.6–0.9% by wt. in nano additives. In addition, significant improvement in the performance of refrigeration system due to the addition of nano additives in domestic refrigerant has been addressed. However, the apprehension of global warming due to potential use of R-134a as refrigerant is still a matter of concern. Hence, the paper encourages the use of nano refrigerant that leads to improvise the effectiveness, durability and energy efficiency of refrigeration without any system modification.