Performance Enhancement and Energy Savings in Domestic Refrigeration Systems Using A l 2 O 3 / Z r O 2 Nanoparticle with PAG Oil as a Hybrid Nano Lubricant

This study investigates the performance enhancement and energy savings of domestic refrigeration systems by utilizing a hybrid nanolubricant composed of Al2O3/ZrO2 nanoparticles dispersed in Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG) oil. The primary aim is to improve the energy efficiency and overall performance of cooling systems. The research focuses on reducing compressor power consumption and enhancing the evaporator’s heat absorption rate. The R600a refrigerant, an environmentally friendly and ozone-safe fluid, was used in the refrigeration system with varying concentrations of Al2O3/ZrO2 hybrid nanolubricants (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g/L) at 70 g of refrigerant. The key performance metrics analyzed include compressor power consumption, refrigeration effect, and Coefficient of Performance (COP). Results show that, compared to a system without nanolubricant, the hybrid nanolubricant led to a 5.94% increase in cooling capacity, a 28.35% reduction in compressor power consumption, and a 46.2% improvement in COP (from 3 to 4.05). The nanoparticles were dispersed using ultrasonication and magnetic stirring techniques. Performance tests revealed significant enhancements in cooling capacity, thermal efficiency, and energy consumption, demonstrating that the Al2O3/ZrO2 hybrid nanolubricant is a promising solution for improving the efficiency of home cooling systems.