Optimizing Heat Transfer with Nanotechnology

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With significant efforts being made to overcome the instability of renewable energy sources and reduce waste/excess heat (improving heat transfer and storage efficiency and ultimately maintaining the balance between energy generation and user) energy-efficient thermal systems based on hybrid nano-engineered fluids, are proposed. The current research proposal focuses on a detailed comprehensive understanding of the dynamic thermal behavior by conducting experimental, numerical and molecular dynamic study of forced convection nanofluid and hybrid fluid in a porous micro-channels. These advances will allow process models to be developed for the following; a) Experimental measurement of heat enhancement using nanofluid and hybrid nanofluid in porous media: In this context we will investigate different porous medium configurations such as a flow in a porous material block and in porous microchannels (up to four microchannels). The forced convection experiment will use nanofluid prepared in the laboratory such a Al2O3/water mixture. Hybrid nanofluid consisting of Al2O3 and copper in water will be investigated as well. The performance of these two fluids will be compared and optimum concentration for an optimum heat flux and flow rate will be determined. b) Molecular dynamic technique to determine the physical properties of nanofluid, hybrid nanofluid: Understanding the role of nanoparticles interactions in base liquids or solids is salient in order to have a rational control over the system dispersive regime (nanoparticles scattering), stability level and ultimately promote its thermal performance through maintaining desirable macroscopic properties and functionality. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations will allow us to overcome the shortcomings present in predicting the thermal transport properties of various nanomaterials dispersed in base fluids/solids. c) Numerical modelling of the experiment: The finite element method will be used and a comparison with experimental data will be conducted. One of the main challenges in this three-dimensional numerical modelling is how to handle the interface between the porous material and the cavity wall. Thus, will be overcome by conducting different set of experiment. d) Phase change material for energy storage: In this research, heat transferred to the nanofluid and hybrid fluid will be delivered to a system with phase change material (PCM). The phase change material could be in a bulk form or in a micro-encapsulated form. However, because the heat conductivity of PCM is low, effort will be made to incorporate novel methods of enhancing. The proposed research program will use a variety of cutting edge experimental and numerical techniques to gain a fundamental understanding of nanotechnology heat transfer. This will lead to the generation of advanced thermal technologies and enhanced sustainable energy alternatives.