Performance evaluation of graphene-enhanced LPG in a vapour compression refrigeration system: An experimental approach

Hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants will be phased out of domestic refrigeration shortly, by the Montréal and Kyoto Protocols, due to their high global warming potential (GWP), making them environmentally unfriendly. This study looked into the possibility of using graphene-nanolubricant in a domestic refrigerator system to improve liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) of propane and butane mixtures. In a 50–70 g charge of LPG refrigerant, the graphene-nanolubricant was investigated. To monitor the temperature of the system, four Type K thermocouples were connected to the refrigerator components. Two pressure gauges were also mounted in the compressor to assess the domestic refrigerator's suction and discharge pressure. With graphene-nanolubricant concentrations, the COP was found to be higher. The refrigerator system's compressor input was reduced by 13.1 % to 32.5% and refrigerating effect increased by 3.5% to 17.2%. As a result, graphene-enhanced LPG is capable of replacing LPG with the base lubricant in a vapour compression refrigeration system.