Theoretical Investigation On The Thermal Enhancement Of Nanofluids

Abstract

newlineHeat transfer is a fundamental process pivotal to diverse applications, including industrial processes, electronics cooling, and energy conversion systems. To enhance heat transfer efficiency, researchers have explored innovative avenues, with nanofluids emerging as a promising solution. Nanofluids are engineered suspensions, combining nanoparticles with base fluids, offering superior thermal properties compared to conventional heat transfer fluids. This thesis endeavours to investigate and optimize the heat transfer performance of a variety of nanofluids, shedding light on their potential applications across diverse domains newlineThe journey commences with an exhaustive review of nanofluid research, delving into synthesis techniques, thermophysical properties, and recent advancements in the field. This foundational knowledge lays the groundwork for subsequent experimental and numerical investigations. Briefly, the synthesis of nanofluids utilizing diverse nanoparticles, including metallic, oxide, and carbon-based materials, is presented. These nanofluids undergo thorough characterization, including assessments of particle size distribution, stability, and thermal properties. The thesis further scrutinizes the influence of nanoparticle concentration, size, and type on the thermophysical characteristics of nanofluids, with the goal of identifying optimal candidates for enhanced heat transfer applications. newlineFurthermore, a comprehensive set of experiments is conducted to assess the heat transfer performance of nanofluids in various heat transfer fluids. The results highlight substantial increases in heat transfer coefficients when compared to base fluids. Importantly, the degree of heat transfer enhancement is found to be contingent upon factors such as flow rate, temperature, and nanoparticle concentration. These findings yield valuable insights into the practical implementation of nanofluids within industries reliant on efficient heat exchange processes. newlineIn tandem with experimental investigations, numerical sim