Tribology analysis and the effect of molybdenum disulphide lubricant additive on the performance of VCR system

ABSTRACT

The refrigeration sector consumes high energy across the globe. At the same time, various studies have been conducted so far to reduce energy consumption and increase the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of Vapour Compression Refrigeration (VCR) systems. Nanoparticles have been proved to optimise its performance, especially molybdenum disulphide (MoS₂) possesses excellent physical and chemical properties for the practical development of better nanolubricant. In this background, the current study focused on investigating the impact of MoS₂ nanoparticles blended with Polyolester (POE) oil with varying concentrations (0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.15%). The stability of the nanolubricant was measured using the zeta potential value. The study results found that the optimal nanoparticle concentration, i.e. 0.05%, corresponds to the minimum coefficient of friction. There was a decline observed in work input up to 12.46%, with an increase in heat removal rate up to 9.15%. COP got enhanced up to a maximum of 20% in the case of lubricant with optimal nanoparticle volume concentration (0.05%). Based on study outcomes, the authors suggest that MoS₂ nanoparticle can be used in the future as a viable nanolubricant to enhance the performance of the VCR system.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• MoS₂-nanoparticles
• POE
• friction coefficient
• compressor
• VCR system
• COP

Nomenclature

Table

Acknowledgments

The current research work is developed based on the research support provided by the National Institute of Technology, R&D center, Warangal. Nishika Labs, Ruska labs, R&D center at Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India. The authors extend their sincere gratitude to Dr P. Nageswara Rao and Dr Srinivas Nallagonda for their continuous guidance and motivation in completing the research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Some or all data used during this study (Figures 7–13) are available from the corresponding author by request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was self supported.