Performance Investigation of a Diffusion Absorption Refrigeration System Using Nano-Size Alumina Particles in the Refrigerant

Abstract

In this study, the effects of the passive heat transfer improvement method of coupling ammonia/water with nano-size alumina (Al<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf>) particles were examined in regard to the heat performance of a diffusion absorption refrigeration system (DARS). Adding nanoparticles into the fluid leads to significant improvement in heat transfer since the surface area and heat capacity of the fluid increase due to the high surface area of the nanoparticles. In this study, cooling/absorption fluid mixtures with Al<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> nanoparticles and their impact on system energy and exergy performance were assessed. The results of experiments indicated that the system with nanoparticles provided better absorption of heat from the generator and faster evaporation of the cooler from the cooling/absorption fluid. Addition of alumina nanoparticles to DARS improved the system's coefficient of performance (COP) and exergetic coefficient of performance (ECOP) by 55.56% and 22.8%, respectively, and reduced the circulation ratio (f) by 51.72%. © 2015 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.