# Utilizing of KNO3, KCl, and NaCl as phase change materials within the refrigerator for energy saving

## TL;DR

This study tested KNO3, KCl, and NaCl as phase change materials in a refrigerator to reduce energy use and improve performance in hot weather.

## Contribution

The study introduces a practical application of KNO3, KCl, and NaCl mixtures as effective phase change materials in refrigeration systems.

## Key findings

- A 1 L KNO3 mixture improved COP by 12.1% and reduced electricity use by 8.6%.
- PCM materials reduced compressor operating periods by up to 7.1%.
- KNO3 outperformed KCl and NaCl, with H2O being the least effective.

## Abstract

Practical experiments were conducted on a home refrigerator with a capacity of 289 L, under hot weather conditions, to improve energy consumption and coefficient of Performance (COP) using several phase change materials (PCMs). A comparison was made between different materials (KNO3, KCl, and NaCl) at a mixture ratio of 10% with 90% H2O, and using H2O. A stainless-steel container with volumes of 1 L and 1.5 L was placed under the evaporator, without sacrificing any space for freezing or cooling. PCM materials have demonstrated their effectiveness in minimizing temperature variations within a refrigeration environment. The results indicate that using a 1 L KNO3 mixture achieved the most significant improvement, increasing COP by 12.1% and reducing electricity consumption by 8.6%. The KCl mixture came in second place, followed by NaCl, while the least effective was H2O. All results showed that PCM contributes to reducing compressor operating periods by up to 7.1%.