Efficiency enhancement of an air-conditioner utilizing nanofluids: An experimental study

Abstract

This paper presents a novel idea of utilizing nanofluid as external cooling jacket around the condenser of an air conditioner. Experimental investigations were carried out to study the influence of two types of nanofluids namely, copper and aluminum oxide nanofluids on the performance of an air conditioner. The nanofluids were used to enhance the heat transfer by means of providing an external nanofluid medium around the condenser section. Both Cu and Al2O3 nanofluids were prepared in three volume fractions of 1%, 2% and 5% with water as the base fluid. The performance of the air conditioner was evaluated by comparing the coefficient of performance when the system is operated with and without nanofluid. Experimental results indicate that employment of Cu and Al2O3 nanofluids causes a significant enhancement in the COP. As the volume fraction was increased, the performance was found to increase. For the highest volume fraction of 5%, Al2O3nanofluid was found to enhance the COP by a maximum of 22.1% while copper nanofluid exhibited a more significant enhancement by 29.4%.

Keywords

• Nanoparticles
• Copper nanofluid
• Alumina nanofluid
• Water
• Air conditioner
• Coefficient of performance