A novel nanocomposite approach to stable high thermal efficiency Enhanced Performance Coolants (EPC)

The adoption of a universal extended-life coolant (ELC) formulation to service the ArmyÆs ground and airborne vehicles will dramatically reduce the maintenance burden and waste associated with the use of antiquated conventional, supplemental coolant additive (SCA) based engine coolants, allowing maintenance intervals to be extended from annual to 5-year or longer schedules. This transition presents an opportunity to introduce novel inorganic additives to provide enhanced heat transfer efficiency across a wide range of military equipment. The proposed effort envisions the development of ōsmart fluidö technology, allowing the thermal properties of ELCs to be specifically tailored to the operational temperatures of internal combustion engines. The resulting smart coolants will not only possess dramatically higher thermal conductivity, which will greatly enhance the cooling systemÆs heat transfer efficiency, they will also provide a unique heat-sinking effect at high temperatures to protect engines in danger of overheating. The benefits of smart coolant technology will (i) enhance the performance and life of engine cooling systems, particularly in hot climates, (ii) reduce vehicle heat signatures, and (iii) enable reductions in the size and weight of cooling systems, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and load-carrying capacity. The proposed Phase I effort combines NCA&TÆs unique bottom-up nanoparticle synthesis process, and NEIÆs extensive experience in nanofluid development and commercialization, to create novel smart coolants with unique protective properties. The goal of the Phase I program is to demonstrate the feasibility of the smart coolant technology to yield a stable, heavy-duty, nitrite-free ELC with significant enhancement in heat transfer efficiency, in the range of 25-50%. ASTM and other standardized testing will be used to demonstrate the potential to mature the technology into a commercial product in Phase II and beyond.