Thermophysical Properties and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Nanorefrigerants: Some Existing Results and Areas for Further Researches

Abstract

Refrigerants are commonly used as heat transfer fluid in refrigeration, heat pumps, and air conditioning systems. Nanorefrigerants are a special kind of nanofluid synthesized by dispersing nanoparticles into refrigerants or lubricant oil to improve its thermophysical and heat transfer characteristics. The optimization of the thermophysical properties of nanorefrigerant strongly depends on the successful synthesis procedures used for producing a stable suspension of nanoparticles in the refrigerants. In this study, a review was carried out to understand the synthesis of nanorefrigerant and the effect of nanoparticle size, type and concentration, temperature, base fluid type on the thermophysical properties of the nanorefrigerant. The effect of nanorefrigerant on the pressure drop and boiling heat transfer within the vapour compression refrigeration system (VCRS) was reviewed. From the review, the thermophysical properties of the nanorefrigerants affect the pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics of the vapour compression refrigeration system.

Agricultural Waste Valorization for Nanoparticles Synthesis and Enhancement of Vapour Compression Refrigeration System’s Performance

“…As a result, scientists are investigating new refrigerant blends with low or zero ozone layer depletion potential, low GHG emissions, and outstanding thermophysical properties. Some of the alternative refrigerants being studied as CFC and HCFC replacements have limited thermal conductivity [4]. The thermal conductivity of the heat transfer fluid influences the rate of heat transfer between the refrigerants and the surrounding environment, as well as the overall system performance.…”

Enhancement of Vapor Compression Refrigeration System by Adding Different Nano-Fluids: A Review

“…Scientists have learned that a material's size and shape can impact its properties since the advent of nanotechnology. [1,2,3,4] investigated the thermo-physical properties of nano-particles and their impact on the VCR system performance. [5] combined CuO nanoparticles and R600 refrigerant to calculate thermophysical parameters such density, thermal conductivity, and specific heat.…”