Oxide Dispersed Nanofluids for Next Generation Heat Transfer Fluids

65192 Liquids that contain dispersed nanoparticles have much higher thermal conductivity. The enhanced thermal properties reflect a unique nanoparticle-effect that is not observed with micron size particles because of the enormous difference in the solid-liquid interfacial area. In addition, the use of stabilized nanoparticles will not have problems associated with wear, erosion, and sedimentation. This project will develop oxide-dispersed nanofluids, a new class of nanoparticle engineered coolants with vastly improved heat transfer properties. The ultimate objective of the proposed program is to achieve acceptance of the nanofluids technology by the heat transfer industry. In Phase I, stable and useable nanofluids were developed, based on industrial coolants containing dispersions of oxide nanoparticles. A substantial increase in thermal conductivity (~ 30%, was obtained at rather low volume fraction loading of ~ 4 %) suggested that the solid-liquid interface is more important than the intrinsic thermal conductivity of the dispersed phase itself. In Phase II, surface modified nanoparticles will be developed that can be readily dispersed in a variety of industrial coolants to form stable nanofluids. The thermal properties will be measured both in the laboratory and in the field by industrial partners. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The US market for all types of coolants, put together, exceeds $2.5 billion. The significantly increased heat carrying capacity of nanofluids should lead to cost and weight savings by way of smaller and lighter heat exchanger systems, with lower pumping energies required, leading to increased efficiencies in industrial processes.