Nanofluids for thermal transport

TLDR

Nanofluids—suspensions of nanometer‑sized solid particles and fibers—are proposed to surpass the performance of conventional heat transfer liquids, though some experimental results remain controversial. The study aims to confirm nanofluid performance in systematic experiments to determine whether new theoretical models are required to capture their high particle mobility and large surface‑to‑volume ratio. Experiments show that nanofluids exhibit markedly higher thermal conductivity with strong temperature dependence, increased critical heat flux in boiling, and enhancements that often surpass predictions of established theories. Nanofluids, i.e., fluid suspensions of nanometer‑sized solid particles and fibers.

Abstract

Nanofluids, i.e. fluid suspensions of nanometer-sized solid particles and fibers, have been proposed as a route for surpassing the performance of heat transfer liquids currently available. Recent experiments on nanofluids have indicated significant increases in thermal conductivity compared with liquids without nanoparticles or larger particles, strong temperature dependence of thermal conductivity, and significant increases in critical heat flux in boiling heat transfer. Some of the experimental results are controversial, e.g. the extent of thermal conductivity enhancement sometimes greatly exceeds the predictions of well-established theories. So, if these exciting results on nanofluids can be confirmed in future systematic experiments, new theoretical descriptions may be needed to account properly for the unique features of nanofluids, such as high particle mobility and large surface-to-volume ratio.