Advanced Thermo-Fluid Using Hybrid Nanoparticles

The high degree of heat removal from directed energy (DE) weapons requires a next-generation leap in the performance of the heat transfer device/mechanism and also requires a novel thermo-fluid. Neither is available at this time. Nanofluids and Phase Change Materials (PCM) have been developed to increase the thermophysical properties of a base fluid, but the gain is not enough for the extremely high heat flux (1000 W/cm2) applications needed for DOD applications. This multiphase SBIR project is focused on developing and commercializing a proprietary advanced thermo-fluid utilizing hybrid nanoparticles that will increase the thermal conductivity as well as the specific heat capacity of a base fluid. Heat energy will be converted to chemical energy and vice versa inside the nanoparticles. In Phase I, several key ingredients and processes were developed to synthesize the nanoparticles. Feasibility was demonstrated by utilizing a reversible chemical reaction, determining the kinetics and the heat of reaction, developing the nanoparticles, and demonstrating the economic feasibility. In Phase II, all the materials developed in Phase I will be perfected and packaged together to develop an optimum hybrid nanoparticle, which will be utilized and validated in a thermo-fluid medium with short-term and long-term tests.