See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/360359350

Performance analysis of R134a vapor compression refrigeration system based

on CuO/CeO2 mixture nanorefrigerant

Article in Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering · May 2022
DOI: 10.1007/s40430-022-03522-x

CITATION READS

1 152

4 authors:

Hudaelslam Abdali Mohamed Unal Camdali

Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University
5 PUBLICATIONS 9 CITATIONS 64 PUBLICATIONS 1,103 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Atilla Biyikoglu Metin Aktaş

Gazi University Natural Sciences Institute, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University
38 PUBLICATIONS 187 CITATIONS 25 PUBLICATIONS 260 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Metin Aktaş on 24 October 2023.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40430-022-03522-x

TECHNICAL PAPER

Performance analysis of R134a vapor compression refrigeration

system based on CuO/CeO2 mixture nanorefrigerant
HudaElslam Abdali Mohamed1 · Unal Camdali1 · Atilla Biyikoglu2 · Metin Aktas3

Received: 30 November 2021 / Accepted: 5 April 2022 / Published online: 4 May 2022
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering 2022

Abstract
This study was built on the basis of an experimental study that was carried out on a simple refrigeration system that works
with R134a as a refrigerant, and based on the real dimensions of the system and the experimental results, the Ansys fluent
software was used to simulate the system to prepare the system to introduce the nanoparticles theoretically. Since the nano-
particles preparation process is expensive, this research presents a simple, easy, and inexpensive method for the preparation
process based on the following materials, distilled water, ammonia, copper nitrate, and cerium nitrate to synthesize seven
types of nanoparticles as a single oxide and as a mixture from two different oxides The results of preparing using X-Ray
Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy proved that particles of samples were spherical in shape, with suitable aver-
age diameter ranging between 78.95, 79.9, 44.15 and 63.3 nm for both copper oxide, cerium oxide, first mixture, and second
mixture, respectively, the theoretical study confirmed that both copper oxide, cerium oxide, and the mixture consisting of
both improved the performance of the refrigeration system and reduced energy consumption.

Keywords Vapor Compression Refrigeration System (VCRS) · Coefficient of Performance (COP) · Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFD) · Nanorefrigerant · Nanoparticles

1 Introduction Maxwell dispersed particles ranging in diameters from mil-

The world today is facing a major challenge in the energy
sector, due to its diminishing sources and a large increase in
energy consumption, especially in refrigeration and air con-
ditioners. Varieties of research have improved the efficiency
of thermal systems. This can be performed in two ways,
firstly by improving a design of the heat exchanger to include
shell and tube type, plate type, microchannel, and so on and
secondly by using new kinds of a working fluid [1]. In 1873
Technical Editor: Ahmad Arabkoohsar.
This article has been selected for aTopical Issue of this journal on
Nanoparticles andPassive-Enhancement Methods in Energy.
* HudaElslam Abdali Mohamed
hudaabdali973@gmail.com
1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ankara Yildirim
Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
2
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gazi University,
Ankara, Turkey
3
Department of Energy, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University,
Ankara, Turkey
limeter to micrometer into a pure fluid for the first time to
enhance its heat transfer characteristics, however, this
attempt encountered several problems, for example, stability,
clogging, and erosion. Recently a new concept of working
fluids was advanced; known as nanofluid where a nanopar-
ticle is dispersing into a pure fluid, was done by Choi 1995
to enhance its heat transfer characteristics [2]. The nanofluid
is divided into three categories depending on the composi-
tion of nanoparticles (i) mono-nanofluids which consist of
similar nanoparticles, (ii) hybrid nanofluids which consist
of dissimilar, (iii) hybrid nanofluids which consist of com-
posite nanoparticles [1]. Four conditions are required for
successful preparation of the nanofluid (i) dispersability of
nanoparticles (ii) stability of nanoparticles (iii) chemical
compatibility of nanoparticles and (iv) thermal stability of
nanofluids. These conditions will create a nanofluid that has
the best heat transfer properties between solid particles and
fluids [3]. Practically there are two methods to prepare the
nano-refrigerants, a one-step method and a two-step method.
A two-step method is commonly used for preparing of nano-
refrigerants, where the nanoparticles are manufactured as a
powder, then is put into the base fluid, followed by several

13
Vol.:(0123456789)
220 Page 2 of 17 Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220
types of dispersion methods such as agitation either by ultra-
sonic or magnetic force, homogenizing, and high shear mix-
ing to disperse nanoparticles inside a mixture. A one-step
method is based on condensing a vapor nano-phase powders
to liquid by reducing a pressure and then dissolving them
inside a liquid immediately [4, 5]. Reviewed literature is
classified in two sections. The first one evaluates the perfor-
mance of vapor compression refrigeration system based on
nano-refrigerant and nano-lubricant, and the second one
evaluates basic properties of nano-refrigerant and nano
lubricant such as thermal conductivity, viscosity, specific
heat and density. Vijayakumar et al. [6] evaluated the per-
formance of refrigerator based on nano-lubricants consisting
of an Aluminum di oxide an added to polyolester oil, 60 g
of R602a was used as a refrigerant. The results showed that
the refrigerating effect and COP increased by 6.09%,
20.09%, respectively, and the compressor work reduced by
15.78%. Senthilkumar et al. [7–10] evaluated the perfor-
mance of VCRS based on hybrid nano-lubricants consisting
of two different nano-particles such as CuO and ­SiO2 at 0.2
and 0.4 g/L concentrations, 40 and 60 g of R600a were
charged as a refrigerant. The results indicated that the COP
and refrigeration effects improved by 35%, 18%, respec-
tively, while reduced the power consumption by 75 W. Sen-
thilkumar et al. [7–10] evaluated the performance VCRS
based on nano-lubricants consisting of 0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g/L
of ­Sio2 mixed with polyolester oil, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 g
of R410A were used as a refrigerant. The results indicated
that 0.4 g/L S
­ io2 and 40 g refrigerant achieved a high refrig-
eration effect, reduced compressor work by 80 W, and
enhanced COP by 1.7. Senthilkumar et al. [7–10] evaluated
the performance of VCRS based on hybrid nano-lubricants
consisting of 0.4 g/L of ZnO/Sio2 with 40 g of R600a and
0.6 g/L ZnO/SiO2 with 60 g of R600a. The results indicated
that 0.6 g/L ZnO /SiO2 achieved a high refrigeration effect
by 180 W, enhanced COP by1.7, while the lower compressor
work was 78 W. Senthilkumar et al. [7–10] evaluated of
performance of VCRS based on hybrid nano-lubricants con-
sisting of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g/L of CuO /Al2O3, 70 g of R600a
was used as a refrigerant. The results showed that the adding
of CuO/Al2O3 enhanced COP and the refrigeration capacity
by 27%, 20%, respectively, while reduced the power con-
sumption by 24%. Javadi and Saidur [11] evaluated the per-
formance of refrigerator based on nano-lubricants consisting
of 0.1 wt. % A ­ l2O3. The results indicated that 0.1 wt. % of
­Al2O3 reduced the power consumption by 2.69%. Gill et al.
[12] evaluated the performance of domestic refrigerator
based on nano-lubricants consisting of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g /L
of ­TiO2 added to (Capella D) oil as an alternative to R134a.
Various charges of LPG from 40 to 70 g were used as refrig-
erant. The results indicated that refrigeration effect and COP
were higher than R134a by 18.74–32.72 and 10.15–61.49%,
respectively. In addition, the compressor power was lower
13
than R134a about 3.20–18.1. Also reported that 40 g of LPG
refrigerant with 0.4 g/L of ­TiO2 achieved the best energy
performance of the refrigerator. Karthick et al. [13] evalu-
ated the performance of VCRS based on four samples of
mineral oil: sample 1 (MO + 0.02 vol% ­Al2O3 + 0.01 vol%
­TiO2), sample 2 (MO + 0.01 vol% A ­ l2O3 + 0.005 vol% ­TiO2),
sample 3(MO + 0.05 vol% A ­ l2O3), and sample 4 (MO + 0.02
vol% ­Al2O3 + 0.02 vol% ZnO). R600a was charged as a
refrigerant. The results indicated that COP improved by
14.61%. All nano-lubricant exhibited higher COP which
reduces the power consumption. Damola et al. [14] investi-
gated the performance of a domestic refrigerator based on
nano-lubricants consisting of 0.2 g/L, 0.4 g/L, and 0.6 g/L
of ­TiO2, the safe mass charge of Liquefied Petroleum Gas
was charged as refrigerant. The results showed that all vari-
ous concentrations of nanoparticles achieved a reduction in
power consumption by 14%, 9%, and 8%, respectively. MO
achieved the highest power consumption, whereas 0.2 g/L
of ­TiO2 achieved the lowest one. The refrigeration effects
based on 0.4 g/L and 0.6 g/L were higher, while based on
0.2 g/L was lower. Dattatraya et al., [15] evaluated the per-
formance of VCRS based on nano-lubricants consisting of
0.05vol%, 0.075vol%, 0.1vol%, and 0.2vol% of A ­ l2O3 mixed
with mineral oil, R134a was charged as a refrigerant. The
results indicated that 0.075vol % achieved the maximum
enhancement in COP around 85%, and saves approximately
27% compressor power. Also reported that 0.075vol% was
the best concentration of VCRS. Babarinde et al. [16] inves-
tigated the performance of a refrigerator based on nano-
lubricants consisting of 0.4 and 0.6 g/L of T ­ iO2 mixed with
mineral oil, and R600a was used as a refrigerant as an alter-
native to R134a. The results indicated that 0.4 g/L of ­TiO2
achieved the highest COP and lowest power consumption.
Selimefendigil and Bingölbalı [17] evaluated the perfor-
mance of VCRS based on nano-lubricants consisting of 0.5
vol%, 0.7 vol%, 0.8 vol%, and 1 vol% of ­TiO2 mixed with
Poly Alkylene Glycol oil, and R134a was used as a refriger-
ant. The results indicated that 0.5 vol%, 0.8 vol%, and 1 vol%
achieved an improvement of COP around 1.43%, 15.72%,
and 21.42%, respectively; 1 vol% reducing energy consump-
tion by 15%.Sundararaj and Manivannan [18] investigated
the performance of VCRS based on nano-lubricants consist-
ing of 0.1vol % Au, 0.2 vol % Au, 0.1vol % HAuCl4, 0.2 vol
% HAuCl4, 0.1vol % Au and 0.05vol % CNT, 0.2vol % Au
and 0.02 vol % of CNT added to Poly Alkylene Glycol oil,
and R134a was used as a refrigerant. The results indicated
that 0.2vol% Au and 0.02vol% CNT achieved the lowest
power input as compared to another compositions, greatest
cooling capacity, and maximum value of COP Therefore it
is preferred to run the system using 0.2vol% Au and
0.02vol% of CNT as volume fraction. Peyyala et al. [19]
investigated the performance of VCRS based on nano-lubri-
cants consist of 0.1vol% to 0.2 vol % of ­Al2O3 mixed with
Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220
mineral oil, R410a was used as a refrigerant. The results
indicated that an increase in COP value with increasing the
nanoparticle concentrations and the maximum value was
observed to be at 0.2 vol % of A ­ l2O3. Babarinde etal. [20]
investigated the performance of VCRS based on nano-lubri-
cants consisting of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g/L graphene added to
mineral oil, 50 g–70 g of R600a were used as a refrigerant.
The results indicated that nano-lubricant based on 60 g of
R600a and 0.2 g/L graphene exhibited the lowest power con-
sumption, and the highest COP. Adelekan et al. [21] evalu-
ated the performance of the domestic refrigerator based on
nano-lubricants consisting of 0.1 g/L, 0.3 g/L, 0.5 g/L of
­TiO2, mixed with mineral oil. 40 g, 60 g, 80 g of R600a were
used as a refrigerant The results showed that the highest of
COP and refrigerating effects were 4.99 and 290.83 kJ/kg
based on 40 g–0.1 g/L nano-lubricant. Ajayi et al. [22] eval-
uated the performance of VCRS based on 0.5 g/l ­Al2O3
mixed with (Capella D) oil, and 100 g of R134a was used as
refrigerant. The results showed that nano-lubricant achieved
a higher refrigeration effect, better performance, and
improves energy consumption. Senthilkumar and Anderson
[23] evaluated the performance of VCRS, based on nano-
lubricants consisting of 0.2 g/L, 0.4 g/L, and 0.6 g/L of ­SiO2,
added to polyolester oil, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 g of R410A
were used as a refrigerant. The results indicated that 40 g of
R410A and 0.4 g/L of S ­ io2 achieved better refrigerating
effects and reduction in power consumption. This leads to
an enhanced COP. Senthilkumar et al. [24] evaluated a per-
formance of VCRS based on nano-lubricants consist of
0.4 g/L and 0.6 g/L ­Al2O3/SiO2, 40 and 60 g of R600a were
used as a refrigerant. The results showed that 0.6 g/L and
60 g of R600a achieved maximum cooling capacity, maxi-
mum COP, and minimum compressor work. Kumar et al.
[25] evaluated the performance of VCRS based on nano-
refrigerant consisting of (1gr of ZnO/1gr ­SiO2), (1.5gr of
ZnO/0.5gr of ­SiO2), and (0.5gr of ZnO /1.5gr of ­SiO2) were
dispersed into 0.5 kg of R134a. The results showed that COP
increased around 26%. Manikanden and Avinash [26] inves-
tigated the performance of domestic refrigerators based on
nano-refrigerants consisting of CuO, pure nano-Cuo, and
Ag—doped nano-CuO is dispersed into R290. The results
indicated that Ag-doped nano-CuO achieved the best perfor-
mance of the system as compared to pure nano-CuO. The
COP of Ag-doped nano-CuO increased up to 29%, while the
power consumption of a system reduced up to 28%. Kundan
and Singh [27] evaluated the performance of VCRS based
on nano-refrigerant consisting of 0.5 to 1 wt% of A ­ l2O3 are
dispersed into R134a, particle size diameter 20 nm the
results based on volume flow rates of refrigerants showed
that 6.5 L/h and 11 L/h achieved improvements of COP from
7.20 to 16.34%, respectively, at 0.5 wt% of ­Al2O3. However,
applied 1 wt. % of ­Al2O3 caused reduction of COP at the
same volume flow rates. Kumar et al. [28] investigated the
Page 3 of 17 220
performance of VCRS based on 0.01 vol% and 0.06 vol %
of ­ZrO2, particle size diameter 20 nm is dispersed into both
R134a and R152a. The results indicated that the improve-
ment of COP was 33.45% based on (0.06 vol % of
­ZrO2-R152a) nano-refrigerant. Mahdi et al. [29] evaluated
the performance of VCRS based on nano-refrigerant consist-
ing of 0.01vol % and 0.02 vol% of ­Al2O3, diameter size of
20–30 nm was dispersed into R134a. The results showed that
the rising nanoparticle concentration caused improvement
of COP by 3.33% to 12%, respectively, and reduction in
power consumption nearly 1.6% and 3.3%, respectively. Pan-
dey and Singh [30] evaluated the performance of VCRS
based on 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 vol % of ­TiO2, and particle size
diameter 30–50 nm was dispersed into R134a.The results
showed that nano-refrigerant based on 0.4 vol % of ­TiO2
achieved an improvement of COP around 11.1%. Also, it has
not been observed an increase or decrease in power con-
sumption, which shows that nanoparticle was completely
dissolved in the refrigerant. Thermal conductivity is the
most important among of thermophysical properties of
nano-refrigerants due to its effects on the boiling and con-
vective heat transfer coefficients. This explains why most
researchers are focusing on studying thermal conductivity.
Recently interest in the study of viscosity has begun to
appear to extend to the other thermophysical properties to
form a clear idea of the heat transfer properties. Kedzierski
et al. [31] evaluated of thermophysical properties of nano-
lubricants based on nanoparticle size diameter 127 nm and
135 nm of ­Al2O3 and ZnO, respectively, mixed with polyo-
lester oil at atmospheric pressure with temperature ranging
from 288 to 318 K, and various mass fractions of A ­ l 2O 3,
ZnO were used such as. The results showed increasing of
nanoparticle concentrations leads to increase in viscosity,
density, and thermal conductivity but a viscosity and density
decreased with increasing of temperature. Sanukrishna and
Prakash [32] evaluated thermal conductivity and viscosity
of nano-lubricants based on 0.07 to 0.8vol % of ­TiO2 mixed
with Poly Alkylene Glycol oil at temperatures ranging from
20 to 90 °C. They found that increasing of nanoparticle con-
centrations leads to increase these parameters, but these
parameters decreased with increasing a temperature.
Although all the previous studies that were presented in the
introduction part, as well as those presented in Table 1, agree
that adding nanoparticle, whether metal, metal oxide, or
hybrid that consisting of different oxides, in the refrigeration
system,whether mixed with a refrigerants or compressor oil,
improves the performance of the refrigeration system and
thermophysical properties of both the refrigerant and com-
pressor oil because it has higher thermal conductivity than
the refrigerant and oil in which the refrigeration system
operate, but the actual use of nanoparticle has not succeeded
so far and the reason is due to the high costs and instability
of nanoparticle for a long time during its rotation within the
13
220 Page 4 of 17 Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220

Table 1  Evaluation of the refrigeration system based on nano-refrigerant and nano-lubricant

Authors Refrigerant Lubricant Nanoparticle concentrations Finding

Choi et al. [38] R134a POE 0.1 wt.% MWCNTs The results showed that the power consumption
reduced by 17%
Senthilkumar et al. [7–10] R600a POE 0.4 and 0.6 g/L of A
­ l2o3/SiO2 The result indicated that COP and refrigerating
hybrid nanoparticles effect increased by 30 and 25%, respectively,
while the power consumption reduced by 80 W
Kumar and Tiwari [39] R134a/R600a PAG 0.5 wt%, 1wt%, and 1.5 wt% of Cu The results showed that R600a achieved a higher
COP and refrigeration effect around 27.12% and
25%, respectively, while the reduction in power
consumption was 1.69% which was less than that
of R134a
Nagaraju and Reddy [37] R134a – 0.05 to 0.8wt% of CuO The results showed that 0.8wt% of Cuo was the
optimal concentration which enhanced COP, and
reduction in power consumption
Pawale et al. [40] R134 – 0.5wt %, and 0.1wt% of ­Al2O3 The results showed that 0.5wt% achieved improve-
ment of the performance. However, increasing of
nanoparticles concentration will lead to reduce a
performance of a system

refrigeration cycle. The use of nanoparticles as hybrids in
recent years has attracted the interest of many researchers as
attempt to improve both of the thermal properties and stabil-
ity of nanoparticle,
In this research the nanoparticles were prepared as fol-
lows CuO, ­CeO2, first mixture consists of 50% CuO with
50% ­CeO2, second mixture consists of 60% CuO with 40%
­CeO2, third mixture consists of 70% CuO with 30% C ­ eO2
fourth mixture consists of 40% CuO with 60% C ­ eO2, and
fifth mixture consists of 30% CuO with 70% C ­ eO2 to investi-
gate its ability to enhancing the performance of refrigeration
system as well as improving the stability of nanoparticles
with a refrigerant for a long time, where a sample of the first
­mixture, is weighed using the digital balance, this amount
is placed in the mixing vessel that is closed tightly and it is
evacuated from the air using vacuum pump and weight it
again to ensure that the amount of nanoparticles that were
weighed was not lost. The mixing vessel was made from a
laboratory bottle is made from Pyrex in the OSTIM area in
Ankara Turkey. This vessel consists of the following parts:
A laboratory bottle is made from Pyrex, one bottle costs
4 $,copper cover with inner diameter 4 cm cost 4 $ cop-
per tube L shaped, its length 6.5 cm inside the container
is welded with a cap and its length outside the container
2.5 cm with an additional length up to 4 cm to place the
valve of transfer the gas at a cost of 2 $ This vessel was
tested in terms of its resistance to leaks as well as in terms
of its tolerance for the pressure required for the liquefac-
tion process. Figure 1 shows the mixing vessel of this study.
In order to achieve a stable solution of nanorefrigerant, the
sample exposed to ultrasonic waves for one hour. The ultra-
sonic device is manufactured by Germany, (power = 320 W,
frequency = 35 kHz). The aforementioned steps were taken
to break up the potential agglomerates, which in turn yields
a homogenized and stable nanorefrigerant. This study
achieved success in obtaining a homogeneous mixture of
refrigerant with nanoparticles with no precipitate observed
for a whole day, while the mixing process continued for
one hour on the ultrasonic only, this gave an indication that
the use of nanoparticles as a mixture with refrigerant may
help to obtain a more homogeneous and stable mixture for
a longer time, which makes us start a series of research in
this field soon,
Fortunately, the method of preparation used in this
research, as the materials from which nanoparticles are pre-
pared can be commonly found in all chemistry laboratories.
Therefore, the cost barrier, which is one of the major obsta-
cles to using nanoparticles, is broken. Thus, this research
presents an attempt to break the barrier of high nanoparticles
costs and obtained nanoparticles with high thermal conduc-
tivity at a reasonably affordable cost. As well as presents an
alternative to hybrid of nanoparticle, which is the mixture
that may succeed in solving the problem of nanoparticle
stability for a long time.
2 Materials and methods
This section was divided into three parts, the first part in
which an experiment was done on a vapor compression
refrigeration system using R134a as a refrigerant and
SUNISO as a mineral oil of a compressor, and the coefficient
of performance was calculated based on the change in the
enthalpy of the refrigerant and then it was used Ansys fluent
software version 19.0 to calculate the coefficient of perfor-
mance theoretically to make a comparative study between an

13
Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220 Page 5 of 17 220

Fig. 1  Process of preparation of nanorefrigerant

experiment and theoretical results, The second part in which
seven types of nanoparticles were prepared, the preparation
process will be explained in details later, and the third part
adding the nanoparticles to the refrigeration system theoreti-
cally to verify its effect on the coefficient of performance of
refrigeration system.
2.1 Experimental work
in the kinetic and potential energy were neglected. Every
experiment was done three times to obtain the highest
accuracy, steady-state performance. Table 2 shows the
technical detail of the experimental system. An experiment
set up and its schematic diagram is presented in Fig. 2.
Where the experiment consists of compressor, condenser,
evaporator, and expansion valve.

The vapor compression refrigeration system must be evacu- 2.1.1 Experiment procedure

ated to remove the substances such as air, water, moisture
and inert gases from the refrigeration system which cause
various effects that lead to reduction of the life of the cycle.
Using the air compressor, the air is pumped, the pressure
mater is monitored, and the leak test is done to ensure that
there is no leakage during the operation of the system.
An experiment was carried out in a laboratory at nor-
mal conditions in Yildiz Technical University in Istanbul,
Turkey, The system was charged with refrigerant R134a
and compressor oil, digital meters were used to moni-
tor the temperatures and pressures at the inlets and exits
of a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator, digital
wattmeter was used to monitor power consumption and a
digital flow meter was used to monitor the mass flow rate
of R134a, Heat loss to the surrounding, and the changes
The temperatures and pressures that are read from meters
at the inlet and outlet of both evaporator, condenser, and
compressor are entered into Engineering Equation Solver
(EES). This software helps in determining the enthalpy of
R134a and the change in the gas phase, where two phases
of the gas cycle were recorded in the system, namely super-
heated vapor enthalpy (h1, h2) at the inlet and the exit of the
compressor, superheated vapor enthalpy (h3) at the inlet of
condenser, compressed liquid enthalpy (h4) at the exit of the
condenser, compressed liquid enthalpy (h5) at the inlet of
evaporator, superheated vapor enthalpy (h6) at the exit of the
evaporator. Listed governing equations have been employed
for analysis [28]. The characteristics of R134a which utilized
in the experimental setup are given in Tables 3

Table 2  Technical details of the No Components Characteristics No Components Characteristics

experimental system
1 Compressor Bitzer compressor 1/2 HP 6 Suction line 3/8-inch copper pipe
2 Condenser Air cooled condenser 1/2 HP 7 Discharge line 1/4-inch copper pipe
3 Evaporator Emersion coil 1/3 HP 8 Frequency rating 51 Hz
4 Expansion valve Automatic expansion valve 9 Defrost unit Automatic
5 Voltage rating 220 V AC voltage supply 10 Door type Single closed door

13
220 Page 6 of 17 Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220

Fig. 2  a the experimental work and its corresponding parameters b the schematic diagram of the experiment

Table 3  Characteristics of R134a [41]

No Characteristics No Characteristics
1 Name 1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane 11 Saturated vapor pressure at 20 °C 774.3 kPa

2 Chemical formula CF3CFH2 12 Latent heat of vaporization 198.6 kJ/ kg

3 Molecular weight 102.03 g /mol 13 Liquid density 1294.8 kg /m3
4 Composition pure 14 Vapor density 14.43 kg /m3
5 ASHRAE safety classification A1 15 Liquid Cp 1.341 kJ/ kg°C
6 Ozone Depletion Potential zero 16 Vapor Cp 0.90 kJ /kg °C
7 Lifetime in the atmosphere 13 17 Liquid thermal conductivity at 25 °C 0,0824 W/m K
8 Critical temperature 101.1 °C 18 Vapor thermal conductivity at 25 °C 0,0145 W/m K
9 Critical pressure 4.06.3 MPa 19 Liquid viscosity at 25 °C 0,202 mPa.s
10 Normal Boiling Point NBP − 26.4 °C 20 Vapor viscosity at 25 °C 0,012 mPa.s

̇ = ṁ (h2 − h1)
a) Power consumption W (1) (h6 − h5)
d) Coefficient of Performance (COP) = (4)
(h2 − h1)
b) Heat absorption Q evaporator = (h6 − h5) (2)
2.1.2 Numerical method, geometry and mesh of (VCRS)
c) Heat rejection Q condenser = (h3 − h4) (3)
Both the evaporator and the condenser were chosen to
study the effect of average temperature of each of them
on the performance of refrigeration system. Achieving

13
Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220 Page 7 of 17 220

the mathematical model requires the following stages. (1) Table 5  Number of elements and nodes in four different levels of
The geometry of each the evaporator and condenser was mesh independency analysis
designed using Solid works software based on the real Case Element Node Pressure. Pa
dimensions that are shown in Table 4, where this software
1 634,783 823,404 6.29
helped to draw quickly and accurately and then save as the
2 1,323,465 1,534,078 7.23
Para solid format to be import the file to Ansys Fluent for
3 2,026,567 2,102,577 7.6
the analysis. (2) Meshing plays a vital role for achieving
4 2,809,136 2,971,904 7.61
accurate. A high quality simulation is required for successful
numerical simulation for this reason the mesh independency
analysis is performed for many cases with various numbers
of elements and nodes to check the validity of the quality of from there to the results obtained as shown in Fig. 4,This
the mesh on the solution. The mesh statistics used the total figure shows a flow chart diagram of the stages of prepara-
number of elements 2,809,136 and total numbers of nodes tion for the mathematical model for this study.
2,971,904, these results of the mesh independency analysis
are presented in Table 5. 2.2 Preparing of nanoparticles
Several contours have been obtained that show the gradi-
ent in the temperature, pressure, and velocity inside both the The nanoparticles were prepared with nitrates, distilled
condenser and the evaporator, some of these contours are water, and ammonia. Weighing a specified amount of cop-
presented in Fig. 3. These contours determine the velocity, per nitrate in the case of preparing copper oxide and dis-
pressure, and temperature of the refrigerant (R134a) as it solving it in a specified amount of distilled water or deion-
circulates through the tubes. The colors shown in the draw- ized water. Similarly, in the case of preparing cerium oxide,
ing indicate that the red colors gives the highest reading, the nanoparticles were prepared by weighing a specified amount
blue colors the lowest reading and the colors between red of cerium nitrate and dissolving it in a specified amount of
and blue are between the highest and the lowest in all cases distilled water or deionized water using the deionizer shown
of gradation, whether it is temperature, pressure or velocity. in Fig. 5b. Distilled water is considered one of the cheapest
Step 3) Fluent setup after the geometry and mesh the and best solvents for all materials laboratory. As for prepar-
equations used in the solution are entered, which will be as ing the mixture, specific quantities of both copper nitrate and
follows: the continuity, the momentum, and the energy equa- cerium nitrate are weighed and dissolved in specific amount
tions, where these equations extract all the theoretical val- of distilled water to begin preparation for the reaction until
ues represented in the amounts of heat absorbed inside the obtaining the oxide. The preparation process of the reaction
evaporator and rejected from the condenser, and the energy is summarized in the following steps:
consumed from the compressor, as well as the theoretical
temperatures and pressures to be compared with the experi- 1. Heating until 80 °C for 1 h with constant mixing speed
mental values, thus moving to the solution stage directly and equal to 375 rpm

Table 4  Dimensions and characteristics of both the condenser and the evaporator
NO Condenser Measurements Dimensions NO Evaporator Measurements Dimensions

1 Length 35 cm 1 Length 33 cm
2 Width 17 cm 2 Width 10 cm
3 Height 28 cm 3 Height 28 cm
4 Diameter of the copper tube 0.25 inch 4 Diameter of copper tube 0.25 inch
5 Number of twists and copper tube 18 5 Number of twists and copper tube 18
6 Distance between one tube and another 5 cm 6 Area of evaporator 0.12cm2
7 Area of condenser 0.177cm2 7 Number of tubes 18
8 length of the tube inside the condenser 7.2 m 8 Fan speed 1300 rpm
9 The thickness of aluminum plate 0.3 mm 9 Air velocity 638 m/s
10 Number of plates 600 10 Evaporator type emersion coil
11 Single plate dimensions 35*17*34 cm 11 Distance between one tube and another 3 cm
12 Fan speed 1300 rpm 12 length of the tube inside the evaporator 6.48 m
13 Air velocity 638 m/s
14 Condenser type Air cooler

13
220 Page 8 of 17 Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220

Fig. 3  a Temperature contour plot of condenser b Temperature contour plot of evaporator

5. Filtration using the filtration system that was prepared

Geometry using solid works software in the laboratory as in Fig. 5a
6. Drying in electric oven at 110 °C for 1 h using the elec-
Save as Para solid tric furnace shown in Fig. 5d
7. Milling
8. Screening as shown in Fig. 5e; and
File importing in Ansys 9. Packing. According to equations below, the nanoparti-
cles were prepared as indicated clearly in Table 6 and
their physical and chemical properties as seen in Table 7.
Process of mesh for CFD
W
M= (5)
Apply boundary condition MW

n
Solution C= (6)
v

Results and validation

Fig. 4  Flow chart diagram of the mathematical model
2. Adding ammonia at constant temperature 60 °C and con-
stant mixing speed equal to 375 rpm to reach PH = 10 ± 1
3. Raising the temperature to 90 °C until copper oxide is
deposited
4. Cooling the solution to room temperature as shown in
Fig. 5c
Where M: Mole g/mol, W: Weight g, Mw: Molecular
weight mol, C: Mole concentration mol/L, n: Number of
moles, v: Volume L.
Table 6 shows that the weights of substances involved
in the reaction have been converted to moles by dividing
the weight on the molecular weight as indicated in Eq. 5
then the molar concentration was calculated as indicated in
Eq. 6 by dividing the number of moles on the volume of the
solvent in liters.

13
Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220 Page 9 of 17 220

Fig. 5  Some of the laboratory

equipment used in this study

Table 6  The quantities obtained Mixture Percentages Molar concentration Molar concentration The Quantity
in grams from the mixtures number of the mixtures
CuO CeO2 Cu ­(NO3)2 ­3H2O Ce ­(NO3)3 ­6H2O

1 50% 50% 0.20867 m/l 0.09673 m/l 0.1527 m/l 12.67 g

2 60% 40% 0.250408 m/l 0.07753 m/l 0.181258 m/l 11.44 g
3 70% 30% 0.300075 m/l 0.05834 m/l 0.21530 m/l 10.97 g
4 40% 60% 0.16694 m/l 0.11622 m/l 0.13651 m/l 13.07 g
5 30% 70% 0.125687 m/l 0.135569 m/l 0.13260 m/l 13.85 g

Table 7  Physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles (https://​therm​test.​com/​what-​is-​therm​al-​condu​ctivi​ty)

No Nanoparticles Molar mass Density Appearance Thermal conductivity specific heat
−3 −1 −1
1 CuO 79.55 g/mol 6320 kg ­m black to brown powder 32.9 W ­m ­K 536 J ­kg−1 ­K−1
2 CeO2 172.115 6100 White or pale yellow 11.715 352
3 50%CuO + 50%CeO2 125.833 6210 black to brown powder 22.31 444
4 60%CuO + 40%CeO2 116.576 6232 black to brown powder 24.43 462.4
5 70%CuO + 30%CeO2 107.32 6254 black to brown powder 26.54 480.8
6 40%CuO + 60%CeO2 135.089 6188 black to brown powder 20.19 425.6
7 30%CuO + 70%CeO2 144.346 6166 black to brown powder 18.07 407.2

Note that: the molecular weights of the reactants were to receive the nanoparticles, this stage is called setup where
as follows. the type of solver is chosen as pressure based and veloc-
( ) ity formulation is absolute and time is taken as steady and
Cu NO3 2 3H2 O = 241.606. taking into account the gravity as − 9.81 m/s. This study
included two models the first is viscous model standard k—
epsilon and the second is mixture model as the most com-
( )
Ce NO3 3 6H2 O Ce = 434.22.
mon model used to simulate the flow of more than one phase
in (CFD). To make phases setup, the properties of both
CuO = 79.5
R134a are entered in the liquid and gaseous phase, and the
nanoparticle with the proportions specified for it depending
CeO2 = 172.12. on the nanofluid equations and dealing with nanoparticles
As shown in Fig. 5, some of the equipment and devices and R134a based on becoming one homogeneous material
that were used during the chemical reaction to obtain the as shown as follows.
oxides. (
kp + 2kbf + 2(kp − kbf)φ
)
Keff = kbf (7)
kp + 2kbf − (kp − kbf)φ
2.3 Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
Where Keff, Kbf, and KP are the thermal conductivity of
nanorefrigerant, base refrigerant in the liquid phase, and the
After completing the geometry and mesh stages referred to
particle, respectively, and ϕ is the particle volume fraction
in Sect. 2.1.2, the refrigeration system for this study is ready

13
220 Page 10 of 17 Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220

1 and comparing these results with a simulation that was done

μnr = μr ( (8)
1−�
)2.5 using Ansys fluent 19.0 software program and calculating
the accuracy rate. The second part includes discussing the
where μnr,μr . are the dynamic viscosity of nanorefrigerant results obtained from the preparation of nanoparticles by
and refrigerant, respectively. presenting nanoparticles screening tests using XRD and
Density and specific heat of nanorefrigerant are shown SEM methods. The third part includes discussing the results
in Eqs. 9 and 10. obtained from the theoretical study where nanoparticles
were introduced to vapor compression refrigeration system
ρeff =(1−�)ρf+ �ρnp . (9) to investigate its effects on the coefficient of performance
of the system.
( )
1 − � (𝜌cp)Bf + �(𝜌cp)NP
Cpnf = ( ) (10) 3.1 Comparison of experimental and theoretical
1 − � 𝜌BF + �𝜌NP
results of refrigeration system
where �, ρbF, ρ nP, and Cp are a . volume fraction of nano-
particles, dsity oase fluid, density of nanoparticles, specific A theoretical model was designed of the evaporator and
heat of base refrigerant and specific heat of nanoparticles condenser with specifications similar to the experimental
[33, 34]. A mixture model solves the momentum, continuity, system; the results obtained were illustrated graphically
and qr t mre,nd solves the equation of volume fraction for to show the effects of the average temperature of both the
the secondary phases [35, 36]. A continuity equation for the evaporator and condenser on COP, and WC as shown in
volume fraction of one (or more) of the phases. For the qth Fig. 6a–d. The COP at varying evaporator temperatures is
phase, this equation has the following form: presented in Fig. 6a; an increase in evaporator temperatures
causes an increase in COP due to increasing of refrigera-
n
1 𝜕(
[ ) ⇀
] ∑ � tion effect due to increase both of the enthalpy difference
αq ρq + ∇ ⋅ (αq ρq vq = Sαq + (ṁ ρq − ṁ qp ) (11)
ρq 𝜕t and mass flow rate of R134a through the evaporator, and
ρ=1
decreasing of compressor work. The power consumption at
where; ṁ 𝜌q , t . he mass is transfer from phase ρ. to phase q ., varying evaporator temperatures is presented in Fig. 6b; an
ṁ qp . the mass transfer from phase q . to phase ρ. increase in evaporator temperatures causes decreasing of
A single momentum equation is solved throughout the power consumption, due to increase of suction temperature,
domain; it is dependent on the volume fractions of all phases which causes increasing both of the vaporization pressure
through the properties ρ and μ.. and density suction vapor entering the compressor, which
leads to increase mass flow rate of R134a through the com-
⇀T ⇀ ⇀
𝜕 ⇀ pressor for a given piston displacement and decreases power
( ⇀ ⇀) ⇀
(ρ v) + ∇ ⋅ ρ v v = −∇ρ + ∇ ⋅ [μ(∇ v + ∇ v )ρ g + F
𝜕t consumption. The effects of average temperature of the con-
(12)
denser on COP is presented in Fig. 6c; it decreases as con-
The energy equation, also shared among the phases denser temperature increases due to decrease of refrigeration
𝜕
(⇀ ) effect and increase of compressor work, an increase in con-
(ρE) + ∇ ⋅ v(ρE + P) = ∇ ⋅ (keff ∇T) + Sh (13) denser temperatures causes an increase in the heat rejection,
𝜕t
due to increase both of the enthalpy difference and mass flow
The amount of nanoparticles that was added to R134a rate of R134a through the condenser. On the other hand, the
2.6 g, while the amount of R134a was 1039 g, as this was increasing of condenser temperature will cause increasing
the amount that the system was operating within the first part of power consumption as presented in Fig. 6d. To achieve
of the experiment to become mass fraction 0.25wt %. The high accuracy, the experiment was divided into several
theoretical results obtained by adding a quantity of nano- cases, where each case includes five experiments and each
particles will be presented and their effects on performance experiment was repeated three times; the experiment which
of the refrigeration system will be discussed in the section gave the most convergence with the theoretical value calcu-
of discussions. lated using Ansys fluent was chosen to then capture all these
point to be plotted with the average temperatures of evapora-
tor and condenser. On critical examination of the results as
3 Results and discussion obtained from the experimental and simulation it has been
observed that the results obtained from both methods are
This section has been divided into three parts; the first part in good accordance with each other. This confirms that the
includes discussing the results obtained by conducting an results are identical and there is no requirement of any cor-
experiment on a vapor compression refrigeration system rection factor, as shown by the results, in agreement with

13
Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220 Page 11 of 17 220

exp the exp the

3 81
71
2.5
61
2 51

W comp
COP

1.5 41
31
1
21
0.5 11

0 1
0 5 10 15 20
Tav,ev Tav,ev
(a) (b)

exp the exp the

2.4 91

81
2.2
71
2
61
1.8
W comp

51
COP

1.6 41

31
1.4
21
1.2
11

1 1
25 30 35 40 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39
Tav,cond Tav,cond
(c) (d)

Fig. 6  a The effect of Tav, ev on Cop. b The effect of Tav, ev on the power consumption. c The effect of Tav, cond on COP. d The effect of Tav,
cond on the power consumption

previous studies, our results confirm the increase in COP
with temperature of evaporator and its decrease with the
increase in temperature of condenser, as well the decrease in
energy consumption with an increase in average temperature
of evaporator and increased with increasing average tem-
perature of condenser.
3.2 Characterization techniques of nanoparticles
Nanoparticle’s characterization was carried out at the
Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China
on September 24, 2019 by using XRD analysis and Scan-
ning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images, where Dr. Jas-
sim M.H.Alkurdhani supervised the results of the examina-
tion. The results of the examination will be presented below
in Fig. 7a–d. The XRD pattern was scanned from 20 to 80
degrees and the XRD profile confirmed the nano crystal-
line nature of CuO. The characteristic diffraction peak was
observed all of the peaks agreed in position and intensity with
database standard (JCPDS 00-045-0937) of the face centered
cubic CuO crystal with the fluorite structure. The absence
of additional diffraction peaks confirms the nanocrystalline
nature and purity of the samples. The XRD pattern of C ­ eO2
was scanned from 20 to 80 degrees and the XRD profile con-
firmed the nano crystalline nature of CuO. The characteristic
diffraction peak was observed all of the peaks agreed in posi-
tion and intensity with database standard (JCPDS 00-004-
0593) of the face centered cubic C
­ eO2 crystal with the fluorite
structure. The absence of additional diffraction peaks confirms
the nano-crystalline nature and purity of the samples. The
SEM images proved that particles of samples were approxi-
mately spherical in shape and with the particle sizes of CuO,

13
220 Page 12 of 17 Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220
Fig. 7  XRD Pattern of a Pure CuO b Pure C
­ eO2 c 0.5%CuO,0.5%CeO2 d)0.6%CuO,0.4%CeO2 Nanoparticles
­CeO2,0.5%CuO + 0.5%CeO2, and 0.6%CuO + 0.4% C ­ eO2
were observed to 78.95 nm, 79.9 nm,44.15 nm, and 63.3 nm
based on SEM images, respectively, as seen in Fig. 8a–d. This
research succeeded in preparing nanoparticles in suitable
diameters. Cerium oxide was used for the first time to find out
its effect on performance of refrigeration system. It is expected
that this study will open the door to future researches in order
to reveal new properties of cerium oxide as a mixture with
copper oxide; especially the mixture which consisting from
both oxides was prepared by the same method in this experi-
ment as a homogeneous substance which have the properties
of both oxide.
3.3 The results obtained from adding
of nano‑particles theoretically into VCRS
The results obtained from adding CuO were illustrated
graphically in Fig. 9a–i to show the effects of the average
13
temperature of evaporator on COP, and WC. As it appears
from the results the addition of 0.25wt % of CuO caused
an increase in temperature of the evaporator at its entrance
and exit, which led to a rise in both COP and the amount
of heat absorbed inside the evaporator and thus a decrease
in the amount of energy consumed by compressor, and this
conclusion is consistent with previously mentioned in previ-
ous studies, and the main reason for the occurrence of these
changes is the high thermal conductivity of the refrigerant
due to its mixture with CuO, where it records an average
thermal conductivity from 20 to 40 (W/mK).The addition
of the same amount of ­CeO2 caused an increase in the tem-
perature of the evaporator at its entrance and exit, which led
to a rise in both COP and the amount of heat absorbed inside
the evaporator and thus a decrease in the amount of energy
consumed inside the compressor and the main reason for the
occurrence of these changes is the high thermal conductiv-
ity of the refrigerant due to its mixture with ­CeO2, where it
Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220
Fig. 8  a Spheral CuO, b Spheral C
­ eO2, c Spheral 0.5%CuO + 0.5%CeO2, d Spheral0.6%CuO + 0.4%CeO2
records an average thermal conductivity by 11.7 (W/mK).
The addition of the same amount of 0.5% CuO with 0.5%
­CeO2 caused an increase in the temperature of evaporator
at its entrance and exit, which led to a rise in both COP
and the amount of heat absorbed inside the evaporator and
thus a decrease in the amount of energy consumed inside
the compressor and the main reason for the occurrence of
these changes is the high thermal conductivity of the refrig-
erant due to its mixture with nanoparticles. The addition
of the same amount of 0.6% CuO with 0.4% C ­ eO2 caused
an increase in the temperature of evaporator at its entrance
and exit, which led to a rise in both COP and the amount
of heat absorbed inside the evaporator and thus a decrease
in the amount of energy consumed inside the compressor
and the main reason for the occurrence of these changes is
the high thermal conductivity of the refrigerant due to its
mixture with nanoparticles. Since the most important factor
in improving the performance of refrigeration system after
adding the nanoparticles is the temperature of evaporator,
all the results were plotted so that the effect of the average
Page 13 of 17 220
evaporator temperature on COP of the system at a specific
amount of nanoparticles is shown. By researcher Nagaraju
and Reddy [37], proved that adding copper oxide to R134a
improved the COP of refrigeration system to a degree close
to what was found in this study, and the method in which
nanoparticles are prepared, the shape, diameter, and the
quantity added to the refrigerants play an important role in
determining the result.
4 Conclusion
A new concept of nanoparticles was introduced to open
the door for answering many questions in the future,
because cerium oxide was used with copper oxide as one
material consisting of a mixture of both oxides, and the
results obtained about copper oxide agreed with previ-
ous studies, where copper oxide succeeded in improving
the performance of refrigeration system and increased
COP by 25%, and cerium oxide succeeded in improving
13
220 Page 14 of 17 Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220

R134a R134a+CuO R134a R134a+CuO

3 81.0
71.0
2.5
61.0
2 51.0

W·C, watt
COP

1.5 41.0
31.0
1
21.0
0.5 11.0

0 1.0
0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0
T av ,ev °C T av ,ev °C
(a) (b)

R134A R134a+CeO2 R134a R134a+CeO2

81.0
2.5
71.0
2 61.0

51.0
W·C, watt
1.5
COP

41.0
1 31.0

21.0
0.5
11.0

0 1.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0
Tav,ev °C Tav,ev °C

(c) (d)

Fig. 9  The effects of Tav, ev on Cop and WC at constant mass fraction and comparing of the results of VCRS with nano and without nanoparti-
cles

the performance of the system by a lesser value. As for
the mixture, the results confirmed that the mixture con-
taining a higher percentage of copper oxide gave better
results. The method of preparing nanoparticles was sim-
ple and affordable and produced two types of oxides and
five types of mixture. Subsequently, the field of research
remains open on whether this method will succeed in
obtaining other oxides, especially oxides with high ther-
mal conductivity, because the cost of nanoparticles rises
as its thermal conductivity increases. Nevertheless, the
theoretical results in this research encourage research-
ers to move forward in the field of experimental studies
This study recommends conducting experiments to verify
the behavior of cerium oxide in the refrigeration systems
and to monitor its behavior at different temperatures for
the evaporator, especially that the results of this research
show that cerium oxide improved the performance of the
refrigeration system due to its good thermal conductivity
This study recommends mixing the materials that have
been prepared with other refrigerants and compressor
lubricant oils to study their effect on the thermophysical
properties of refrigerants and oils. Since the problem of
the stability of nanoparticles with the refrigerants is one
of the most important problems, and recently, a hybrid
consisting of different oxides was used to solve this prob-
lem. Will the mixture prepared from oxide succeed in
obtaining better results, especially since the mixture con-
sisting of 50% copper oxide and 50% cerium oxide has
already been mixed with R134a in the laboratory using
the ultrasonic machine only for one hour, the result was a
stable mixture for a whole day.

13
Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220 Page 15 of 17 220

R134a R134a+0.5CuO+0.5CeO2 R134a R134a +0.5 CuO + 0.5 CeO2

3 81.0

2.5 71.0
61.0
2

W·C, watt
51.0
1.5 41.0

1 31.0
21.0
0.5
11.0
0 1.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0
T av,ev °c T av,ev °C

(e) (f)

R134a R134a + 0.6 CuO + 0.4 CeO2 R134a R134a + 0.6 CuO + 0.4 CeO2
3 81.0
71.0
2.5
61.0
2 W·C, watt 51.0
41.0
1.5
31.0
1
21.0
0.5 11.0
1.0
0 0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0
0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0
T av,ev °C

(g) (h)

the exp ceo2 0.5+0.5 0.6+0.4 cuo

3

2.5

2
COP

1.5

0.5

0
0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0
Tav,ev °C

(i)

Fig. 9  (continued)

Acknowledgements I would like to thank Yildiz Technical University encouragement, and assistance throughout the research period. I take
in Istanbul Turkey, where the first part of this research was carried out an opportunity to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Jas-
in Mechanical Engineering Laboratories under the supervision of Dr sim M.H.Alkurdhani who helped me to prepare the nanoparticles and
Ahamet Salim. I would like to thank Unal Camdali for his support, showed me different way to achieve my goal, and Dr Yusuf Bedeli who

13
220 Page 16 of 17 Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220
provided me with the laboratory so that I could prepare the nanoparti-
cles. I also extend my thanks to Huajong University in China and Gazi
University in Ankara/Turkey for their help in examining and identifying
the properties of the nanoparticles.
Author contribution HudaElslam Mohamed: Prepared the nanopar-
ticles and studying its effect on the performance of refrigeration sys-
tem and thermos physical properties later, as well as the cooperation
between Unal Camdali, Atilla Biyikoglu, and Metin Actas: In review-
ing the paper linguistically.
Conflict of interest The authors declare there are no competing inter-
ests.
References
1. Bhattad A, Sarkar J, Ghosh P (2017) improving the performance
of refrigeration systems by using nanofluids: a comprehensive
review. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 82:3656–3669
2. Nair V, Tailor PR, Parekh AD (2016) Nanorefrigerants: a com-
prehensive review on its past, present and future. Int Refrig
67:290–307
3. Kotu TB, Kumar R (2013) Comparison of heat transfer perfor-
mance in domestic refrigerator using nanorefrigerant and double
pipe heat exchanger. Int J Mech Ind Eng 3(2):67–73
4. Celen A, Çebi A, Aktas M, Mahian O, Selim Dalkilic A, Wong-
wises S (2014) A review of nanorefrigerants: flow characteristics
and applications. Int Refrig pp 125–140
5. Sharif MZ, Azmi WH, Mamat R, Shaiful AIM (2018) Mechanism
for improvement in refrigeration system performance by using
nanorefrigerants and nanolubricants: A review. Int Commun Heat
Mass Transf 92:56–63
6. Vijayakumar M, Rohith Ambadi S, Selvakumar P, Mathan P
(2021) An analysis of household refrigerator using Polyester –
Aluminum oxide Nano lubrication. Mater Today Proce 1–6
7. Senthilkumar A, Abhishek PV, Adithyan M, Arjun A (2021)
Experimental investigation of CuO/SiO2 hybrid nano-lubricant
in R600a vapour compression refrigeration system. Mater Today
Proc 45:6083–6086
8. Senthilkumar A, Anderson A (2021) Experimental investigation
of ­SiO2 nanolubriant for R410A vapour compression refrigeration
system. Mater Today Proc 44:3613–3617
9. Senthilkumar A, Sahaluddeen PAM, Noushad MN, Musthafa
EKM (2021) Experimental investigation of ZnO/SiO2 hybrid
nano-lubricant in R600a vapours compression refrigeration sys-
tem. Mater Today Proce 45:6087–6093
10. Senthilkumar A, Anderson A, Sekar M (2021) Performance analy-
sis of R600a vapour compression refrigeration system using CuO/
Al2O3 hybrid nanolubriant. Appl Nano Sci 1–17
11. Javadi FS, Saidur R (2021) Thermodynamic and Energy Effi-
ciency Analysis of a Domestic Refrigerator Using ­Al2O3 Nano-
Refrigerant https://​www.​mdpi.​com/​journ​al/​susta​inabi​lity (2021)
1–15
12. Gill J, Singh J, Ohunakin OS, Adelekan DS (2019) Energy anal-
ysis of a domestic refrigerator system with ANN using LPG/
TiO2–lubricant as replacement for R134a. J Therm Anal Calorim
135:475–488
13. Karthick M, Karuppiah SK, Kanthan V (2020) Performance inves-
tigation and exergy analysis of vapor compression refrigeration
system operated using R600a refrigerant and nanoadditive com-
pressor oil. Therm Sci 24:2977–2989
14. Damola SA, Ohunakin OS, Gill J, Atayero AA, Asuzu CDDEA
(2019) Experimental performance of a safe charge of LPG
13
refrigerant enhanced with varying concentrations of TiO2 nano-
lubricant in a domestic refrigerator. J Therm Anal Calorim
136:2439–2448
15. Dattatraya G, Patel JZ, Ramani BM (2020) Experimental studies
on vapour compression refrigeration system using A ­ l2O3/mineral
oil nano-lubricant. Australian J Mech Eng 1–6
16. Babarinde TO, Akinlabi SA, Madyira DM (2019) Experimental
investigation of R600a/TiO2/mineral oil as a drop-in replace-
ment for R134a/POE oil in a household refrigeration system.
Int J Ambient Energy 1–7
17. Selimefendigil F, Bingölbalı T (2019) Experimental investiga-
tion of nano compressor oil effect on the cooling performance
of a vapor compression refrigeration system. J Therm Eng
5:100–104
18. Sundararaj S, Manivannan R (2020) Comparative energetic and
exergetic analysis of vapour compression refrigeration system
with Au, HAuCl4 and CNT Nanoparticles. AIP Conf Proc 1–8
19. Peyyala A, Naga Swapna Sri M, Sudheer NVVS, Kishor Kumar
KCH (2020) Experimental investigation on effect of nano lubrica-
tion in a VCR system using R410a refrigerant with A ­ l2O3 nano
particles. Int J Mech Prod Eng Res Develop 10:1761–1768
20. Babarinde TO, Akinlabi SA, Madyira DM, Ekundayo FM (2019)
Enhancing the energy efficiency of vapour compression refrigera-
tor system using R600a with graphene nano lubricant. Energy Rep
1–10
21. Adelekan DS, Ohunakin OS, Gillb J, Atibaa OE, Okokpujiea
IP, Atayero AA (2019) Experimental investigation of a vapour
compression refrigeration system with 15nm T ­ iO2-R600a nano-
refrigerant as the working. Procedia Manufact 35:1222–1227
22. Ajayi OO, Ukasoanya DE, Ogbonnaya M, Salawu EY, Okokpujie
IP, Akinlabi SA, Akinlabi ET, Owoeye FT (2019) Investigation
of the effect of R134a/Al2O3 nanofluid on the performance of
a domestic vapour compression refrigeration system. Procedia
Manufact 35:112–117
23. Senthilkumar A, Anderson A (2020) Experimental investigation
of ­SiO2 nanolubricants for R410A vapours compression refrigera-
tion system. Mater Today Proce 1–5
24. Senthilkumar A, Abhijith EP, Jawhar CAA, Jamshid (2020)
Experimental investigation of Al2o3/Sio2 hybrid nanolubriant
in R600a vapour compression refrigeration system. Mater Today
Proce 1–4
25. Kumar GS, Deepika P, Naren Kumar M, Mohan Kumar B, Nandha
Kumar K (2018) Performance analysis of VCRS using nanorefrig-
erants, international research. J Eng Technol 5:3869–3872
26. Manikanden VS, Avinash A (2019) An experimental insight
into the effects of silver-doped cupric oxide nanoparticles on the
performance of hydrocarbon refrigeration system. SN Appl Sci
1528–1535
27. Kundan L, Singh K (2019) Improved performance of a nanore-
frigerant-based vapor compression refrigeration system: a new
alternative. J Power Energy 1–18
28. Kumar VPS, Baskaran A, Subaramanian KM (2016) A perfor-
mance study of Vapour compression refrigeration system using
ZrO2 Nano particle with R134a and R152a. Int J Sci Res Publ
6:410–421
29. Mahdi QS, Theeb MA, Saed H (2017) Enhancement on the perfor-
mance of refrigeration system using the nano-refrigerant. J Energy
Power Eng 11:237–243
30. Pandey P, Singh (2017) Experimental Investigation of Vapour
Compression Refrigeration System by comparing the results pro-
cured after using pure refrigerant R134a with and without Tita-
nium Oxide Nanoparticle, Master Thesis, and Lovely Professional
University Punjab. pp 1–52
31. Kedzierski MA, Brignoli R, Quine KT, Brown JS (2017) Viscos-
ity, density, and thermal conductivity of aluminum oxide and zinc
oxide nanolubricants. Int J Refrig 74:3–11
Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (2022) 44:220
32. Sanukrishna SS, Prakash MJ (2018) Experimental studies on ther-
mal and rheological behaviour of ­TiO2-PAG nanolubricant for
refrigeration system. Int J Refrig 86:356–372
33. Alawi OA, Sidik NAC (2014), Influence of particle concentration
and temperature on the thermophysical properties of CuO/R134a
nanorefrigerant, pp 79–84
34. Duggal M, Sharma A, Dondapati RS, Usurumarti PR (2016)
Enhancement of Thermo-hydraulic performance of evaporators
using nanorefrigerants. In: 3rd International Conference on Elec-
trical, Electronics, Engineering Trends, Communication, Optimi-
zation and Sciences, pp 669–674
35. Diana CH, César NL, Zulamita ZB (2016) Analysis of working
nanofluids for a refrigeration system, DYNA, pp. 176–183. https://​
doi.​org/​10.​15446/​dyna.​v83n1​96.​50897
36. ANSYS (2013) Inc, Ansys fluent 19.0, Theory Guide, ANSYS,
Inc
37. Nagaraju M, Reddy VM (2018) Experimental refrigeration test of
R134a mixed with mineral oil and (Cuo) nanoparticle. Int J Sci
Res Sci Eng Technol 288–293
38. Choi TJ, Kim DJ, Jang SP, Park S, Ko S (2021) Effect of polyo-
lester oil-based multi walled carbon-nanotube nanolubriant on the
View publication stats
Page 17 of 17 220
coefficient of performance of refrigeration systems. Appl Thermal
Eng 1–10
39. Kumar S, Tiwari AC (2019) an experimental investigation of
VCRS using R134a/R600a/PAG oil/Nano-Cu as working fluid.
Int J Innov Res Technol 6:116–120
40. Pawale KT, Dhumal AH, Kerkal GM (2017) Performance
analysis of VCRS with nano-refrigerant. Int Res J Eng Technol
4:1031–1037
41. Makhnatch P, Mota-Babiloni A, Lopez-Belchí A, Khodaban-
deh R (2018) R450A and R513A as lower GWP mixtures for
high ambient temperature countries: Experimental comparison
with R134a, journal homepage: www.​elsev​ier.​com/​locate/​energy
(2018) 223–235
Publisher's Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to
jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
13