A Review of Literature on Various Techniques of COP Improvement in Vapor Compression Refrigeration System

Abstract: This review paper is a study on various methods of performance improvement in domestic refrigeration systems, based on the vapor compression refrigeration VCRS cycle. Here air-cooled, water-cooled, fog cooled, evaporatively cooled condensers and nano-fluid lubricant /coolant methods their working and efficiency are reviewed, compared, analyzed and presented. The paper inspects the work done by different researchers for the maximization of heat loss from condenser & compressor and bringing about necessary modifications to reduce the overall power consumption of domestic refrigerators by improving Coefficient of Performance (COP). Numerous works have been done on improving the heat dissipation capacity of condenser but using nano-fluid in lubricant base as refrigerant and in the compressor shell as coolant is a new technology. Nano-fluid increase heat transfer due the high conductivity nano particles. It has been observed that water cooled condensers and compressors with nano-lubricants/coolants give the best performance improvements but they suit better for big or large refrigeration systems like centralized air conditioning systems or cold storage warehousing, whereas air cooled and evaporative condensers are optimal for small scale or low power appliances like domestic refrigerators, water coolers or split air conditioners to reduce overall power consumption by increasing the COP. Keywords: Refrigeration system, COP improvement, Condenser, Water mist, Evaporative cooling, Nano-fluid coolant, VCRS cycle.