Heat Transfer Application of Nanofluids and Testing of Thermal Conductivity

In response to the growing demand for more efficient heat transfer technologies in various industrial processes, the development of nanofluids has emerged as a promising solution. Traditional heat transfer fluids like mineral oil, ethylene glycol, and water have relatively low thermal conductivities compared to solids, limiting the compactness and efficiency of heat exchangers. Nanofluids, which are created by suspending ultrafine metallic or nonmetallic solid powders in base fluids, exhibit enhanced thermal properties due to the superior thermal conductivities of solid materials. This paper reviews the preparation, thermal conductivity measurement, and influencing factors of nanofluids, with a focus on thermal conductivity as the primary driver for improved heat transfer. The preparation of nanofluids involves either a one-step or two-step method, with the two-step method being more commonly used for oxide nanoparticles (NPs) such as Al2O3, ZnO, MgO, TiO2, and SiO2. The study discusses stabilization techniques like ultrasonication and magnetic force agitation to ensure homogeneous suspension and long-term stability of the nanofluids. The thermal conductivity measurements are conducted using short hot wire (SHW) and transient hot wire (THW) techniques, with considerations of the nonsteady-state nature and potential error sources. The research underscores the importance of rigorous experimental design and accurate data analysis to address the complexities and variability in thermal conductivity measurements, ultimately contributing to the advancement of nanofluid technologies for efficient heat transfer solutions.