Title: Performance analysis of a domestic refrigerator using R134a/CeO₂ nano-enhanced refrigerants: energy, exergy, and economic perspectives

Authors: K. Arumuganainar; D. Palaniswamy; K. Viswanath; R. Jeya Raj

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, J.P. College of Engineering, Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, 627852, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Adithya Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641107, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, MRK Institute of Technology, Kattumannarkoil, Tamil Nadu, 608301, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Marthandam College of Engineering and Technology, Kuttakuzhi, Tamil Nadu, 629177, India

Abstract: Household energy consumption is rising, with refrigerators being major contributors due to compressor load. This study explores enhancing refrigerator performance using ceria (CeO₂) nanoparticle-enhanced refrigerants. Four blends - R0 (R134a), R1, R2, and R3 (with 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15% CeO₂ by volume) - were tested. Results showed R3 improved cooling capacity by 7.8% (58.4 W) and COP by 14.5% (2.93) compared to R0. The exergy defect decreased by 5.5%, and exergy efficiency improved by 8.7% (23.92%). Economic analysis revealed operational costs dominate total cost. These findings highlight CeO₂ additives' potential in improving refrigeration efficiency, energy use, and sustainability.

Keywords: vapour compression; refrigeration; R134a refrigerant; nanoparticles; exergy analysis; economic analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2025.150725

International Journal of Exergy, 2025 Vol.48 No.4, pp.281 - 292

Received: 20 May 2025
Accepted: 18 Jul 2025
Published online: 22 Dec 2025 *

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