A Nanofluid with Superior Thermal Properties

Many industrial processes involve the transfer of heat from one medium to another. Thermal fluids and heat exchangers are often used as part of these processes. However, besides water or aqueous solutions, the other thermal fluids have thermal properties much lower than water, so larger heat exchangers or pumps are required. This project will develop a nanofluid with a nano-sized phase-change material (PCM) as the dispersed phase. These fluids will be ideal for heat transfer applications, because the PCM nanofluids will have significantly higher thermal conductivities and heat capacities compared to standard thermal fluids. The small size of the dispersed phase will result in a stable fluid that can be easily pumped, and the latent heat of fusion of the PCM will provide improved temperature control. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The PCM nanofluids should allow a reduction in the sizes of heat exchangers and pumps used in industrial heat transfer applications. The PCM nanofluids also should find use in the thermal management of power electronics and optoelectronics; this application is becoming more challenging as the capability and speed of these electronic devices increase and their sizes decrease.