Comprehensive study on nanofluid and ionanofluid for heat transfer enhancement: A review on current and future perspective

Innovative application of graphene nanoplatelet-based ionanofluids as heat transfer fluid in hybrid photovoltaic-thermal solar collectors

The ongoing pursuit of efficient solar thermal energy systems has driven significant interest in the development of advanced nanofluids, particularly those utilizing carbon-based nanostructures such as graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). These materials, when dispersed in base fluids like water or ionic liquids, have gained attention for their tunable thermophysical properties, including thermal conductivity, viscosity, and specific heat capacity. This has positioned them as promising candidates for enhancing the thermal performance of solar collectors. However, literature examining direct experimental comparisons between the thermophysical behavior of GNP-based and CNT-based nanofluids, particularly in both water and ionic liquid media, remains sparse. Similarly, studies evaluating how such nanofluids affect the overall efficiency of solar collectors are limited and fragmented. This study investigates, for the first time, the application of GNP-based ionanofluids (INFs) in commercial hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) solar collectors. INFs were prepared using GNP and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Emim] Ac) ionic liquid. Their thermophysical properties, including density, viscosity, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity, were comprehensively characterized. Long-term stability was also assessed to ensure consistent performance over time. Comparative tests with water and pure ionic liquid as base fluids revealed that INFs exhibited a significantly higher temperature rise within the collector, attributed to their lower specific heat capacity. This resulted in an exergy efficiency improvement of over 5% compared to the ionic liquid alone, underscoring the potential of INFs as advanced heat transfer fluids for high-temperature solar systems. These findings highlight the novelty of using GNP-based INFs in solar applications and pave the way for future research in optimizing nanofluid compositions for renewable energy systems.

Data analysis for performance index of plate heat exchanger filled by ionanofluid-oil: parallel versus counterflow

Plate heat exchangers ensure their continued relevance and adaptability in meeting modern energy, environmental, and industrial demands. Innovations in this area significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance industrial processes. However, the ionanofluid significantly enhanced the thermal conductivity and heat transfer coefficient compared to conventional fluids. This study focuses on a three-chambered parallel plate heat exchanger (PHE) using cold ionanofluid (a mixture of graphene as nanoparticle and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate ([C2mim][SCN]) as ionic liquid) in the top and bottom channels and hot oil in the middle channel. It aims to determine the most effective configuration for performance index (η) and energy efficiency, given the unique properties of ionanofluid. The governing equations of Navier-Stokes and energy balance are solved numerically using the finite element method. The impact of different Reynolds numbers (Re) and solid concentrations (ϕ) of nanoparticles on the fluid velocity and temperature fields is observed, and various related parameters are calculated. A comprehensive data analysis is conducted using the surface response method, including ANOVA, sensitivity analysis, and optimization testing. The counter and parallel flow designs achieve approximately 76.23% and 70.07% thermal enhancement at Re = 1, respectively. The optimal performance index occurs at (Re = 1, ϕ = 0.025), chosen to maximize predicted η (= 33972.3) and actual η (= 34020.03). The results indicate that the counterflow configuration consistently outperforms the parallel flow configuration regarding heat transfer efficiency. The counterflow configuration exhibited superior overall performance and provided a more uniform temperature distribution across the PHE. This research offers important insights into the application of ionanofluids in heat exchangers by comparing both parallel and counterflow setups. The study demonstrates high R2 values for the response function, highlighting its significance, and suggests practical implications for the optimization of heat exchanger designs in industrial settings.

On the enhancement of the efficiency of concentrated solar power plants using nanofluids based on a linear silicone fluid and Pt nanoparticles

To reduce greenhouse emissions and producing electricity with the smallest environmental impact, developing solar power technology is one of the most important milestones to achieve. Thus, to improve the efficiency of the concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, with lower environmental impact, is of great interest. This work reports the development of nanofluids, a colloidal suspension of nanomaterials in a fluid, based on an environment-friendly base fluid for improving the performance of the heat transfer process in CSP plants. The nanofluids contain Pt nanoparticles in a linear silicone-based heat transfer fluid, and their stability is guaranteed for several weeks. Their properties of interest, density, surface tension, viscosity, isobaric specific heat and thermal conductivity were characterized to determine the performance of the nanofluids in solar thermal technology. Improvements of about 6% and 24% in specific heat and thermal conductivity were found, without significant increases in viscosity. In addition, their effect on the performance of collectors and heat exchangers in CSP using these nanofluids was analysed, and an enhancement of about 40% is found. Specific heat enhancements are also discussed in view of the strength of the interactions between methyl siloxane groups and low Miller index surfaces of Pt, with data from density functional theory simulations.

Review on Nanofluids: Preparation, Properties, Stability, and Thermal Performance Augmentation in Heat Transfer Applications

Nanoparticles play a crucial role in enhancing the thermal and rheological properties of nanofluids, making them a valuable option for increasing the efficiency of heat exchangers. This research explores how nanoparticle characteristics, such as concentration, size, and shape, impact the properties of nanofluids. Nanofluids' thermophysical properties and flow characteristics are essential in determining heat transfer efficiency and pressure loss. Nanoparticles with high thermal conductivity, such as metallic oxides like MgO, TiO2, and ZnO, can significantly improve the heat transfer efficiency by around 30% compared to the base fluid. The stability of nanofluids plays a crucial role in their usability. Various methods, such as adding surfactants, using ultrasonic mixing, and controlling pH, have been employed to enhance the stability of nanofluids. The desired thermophysical properties can be achieved by utilizing nanofluids to enhance the system's heat transfer efficiency. Modifying the size and shape of nanoparticles also considerably improves thermal conductivity, affecting nanofluid viscosity and density. Equations for determining heat transfer rate and pressure drop in a double-pipe heat exchanger are discussed in this review, emphasizing the significance of nanofluid thermal conductivity in influencing heat transfer efficiency and nanofluid viscosity in impacting pressure loss. This Review identifies a trend indicating that increasing nanoparticle volume concentration can enhance heat transfer efficiency to a certain extent. However, surpassing the optimal concentration can reduce Brownian motions due to higher viscosity and density. This Review offers a viable solution for enhancing the thermal performance of heat transfer equipment and serves as a fundamental resource for applying nanofluids in heat transfer applications.

Experimental and Theoretical Investigation on Heat Transfer Enhancement in Micro Scale Using Helical Connectors

Microscale electronics have become increasingly more powerful, requiring more efficient cooling systems to manage the higher thermal loads. To meet this need, current research has been focused on overcoming the inefficiencies present in typical thermal management systems due to low Reynolds numbers within microchannels and poor physical properties of the working fluids. For the first time, this research investigated the effects of a connector with helical geometry on the heat transfer coefficient at low Reynolds numbers. The introduction of a helical connector at the inlet of a microchannel has been experimentally tested and results have shown that this approach to flow augmentation has a great potential to increase the heat transfer capabilities of the working fluid, even at low Reynolds numbers. In general, a helical connector can act as a stabilizer or a mixer, based on the characteristics of the connector for the given conditions. When the helical connector acts as a mixer, secondary flows develop that increase the random motion of molecules and possible nanoparticles, leading to an enhancement in the heat transfer coefficient in the microchannel. Otherwise, the heat transfer coefficient decreases. It is widely known that introducing nanoparticles into the working fluids has the potential to increase the thermal conductivity of the base fluid, positively impacting the heat transfer coefficient; however, viscosity also tends to increase, reducing the random motion of molecules and ultimately reducing the heat transfer capabilities of the working fluid. Therefore, optimizing the effects of nanoparticles characteristics while reducing viscous effects is essential. In this study, deionized water and deionized water-diamond nanofluid at 0.1 wt% were tested in a two-microchannel system fitted with a helical connector in between. It was found that the helical connector can make a great heat transfer coefficient enhancement in low Reynolds numbers when characteristics of geometry are optimized for given conditions.

Insight into the enhancement effect of amino functionalized carbon nanotubes on the H2S removal performance of nanofluid system

By constructing nanofluid system, trace functionalized nanoparticles can significantly enhance the absorption performance of basic liquid. In this work, amino functionalized carbon nanotubes (ACNTs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were introduced into alkaline deep eutectic solvents to build nanofluid systems and used for the dynamic absorption of H2S. The experiment results showed that the introduction of nanoparticles can significantly enhance the H2S removal performance of original liquid. When performing H2S removal experiments, the optimal mass concentrations of ACNTs versus CNTs were 0.05 % and 0.01 %, respectively. The characterization showed that the surface morphology and structure of the nanoparticles unchanged significantly during the absorption-regeneration process. A double mixed gradientless gas-liquid reactor was used to explore the gas-liquid absorption kinetics characteristics of the nanofluid system. It was found that the gas-liquid mass transfer rate increased significantly after the addition of nanoparticles. The highest total mass transfer coefficient of the nanofluid system of ACNTs was increased to more than 400 % of the value before the addition of nanoparticles. The analysis showed that the shuttle effect and hydrodynamic effect of nanoparticles play important role in the process of enhancing gas-liquid absorption, and the amino functionalization enhanced the shuttle effect of nanoparticles significantly.

Recent Development and Future Prospective of Tiwari and Das Mathematical Model in Nanofluid Flow for Different Geometries: A Review

The rapid changes in nanotechnology over the last ten years have given scientists and engineers a lot of new things to study. The nanofluid constitutes one of the most significant advantages that has come out of all these improvements. Nanofluids, colloid suspensions of metallic and nonmetallic nanoparticles in common base fluids, are known for their astonishing ability to transfer heat. Previous research has focused on developing mathematical models and using varied geometries in nanofluids to boost heat transfer rates. However, an accurate mathematical model is another important factor that must be considered because it dramatically affects how heat flows. As a result, before using nanofluids for real-world heat transfer applications, a mathematical model should be used. This article provides a brief overview of the Tiwari and Das nanofluid models. Moreover, the effects of different geometries, nanoparticles, and their physical properties, such as viscosity, thermal conductivity, and heat capacity, as well as the role of cavities in entropy generation, are studied. The review also discusses the correlations used to predict nanofluids’ thermophysical properties. The main goal of this review was to look at the different shapes used in convective heat transfer in more detail. It is observed that aluminium and copper nanoparticles provide better heat transfer rates in the cavity using the Tiwari and the Das nanofluid model. When compared to the base fluid, the Al2O3/water nanofluid’s performance is improved by 6.09%. The inclination angle of the cavity as well as the periodic thermal boundary conditions can be used to effectively manage the parameters for heat and fluid flow inside the cavity.

Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Empirical Thermal Conductivity Assessment of ZnO Nanofluids for High-Efficiency Heat-Transfer Applications

ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using lemon juice and zinc nitrate (1:1) through the green method. The structure of the biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphology and the size of ZnO nanoparticles were elucidated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The powder was highly dispersed and irregularly shaped and the size of the nanoparticles ranged from 28 to 270 nm, depending on the shape of the particles. Thermal conductivity of the biosynthesized ZnO PG/W mixture 40:60 (v/v) nanofluids was measured within the temperature range of 20-70 °C. Experimental results revealed a linear increase in thermal conductivity with the rise of temperature and volume fraction. The enhancement of this parameter with temperature was probably due to the different shapes of the former agglomerates. They were broken by the thermal energy in aggregates of different forms. A correlation of these structures with temperature was established. Finally, an empirical model was developed for predicting thermal conductivity with particle volume fraction and temperature.

Comparisons of Numerical and Experimental Investigations of the Thermal Performance of Al2O3 and TiO2 Nanofluids in a Compact Plate Heat Exchanger

This study reports the thermal performance of Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ nanofluids (NFs) flowing inside a compact plate heat exchanger (CPHE) by comparing the experimental and numerical investigations. The NF samples were prepared for five concentrations each of Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ nanoparticles dispersed in distilled water (DW) as a base fluid (BF). The stability of NF samples was ensured, and their viscosity and thermal conductivity were measured. Firstly, the experimental measurements were performed for the heat transfer and fluid flow of the NFs in the plate heat exchanger (PHE) system and then the numerical investigation method was developed for the same PHE dimensions and operation conditions of the experimental investigation. A finite volume method (FVM) and single-phase fluid were used for numerical modelling. The obtained experimental and numerical results show that the thermal performance of the CPHE enhances by adding nanoparticles to the BFs. Furthermore, numerical predictions present lower values of convection heat transfer coefficients than the experimental measurements with a maximum deviation of 12% at the highest flow rate. Nevertheless, the numerical model is suitable with acceptable accuracy for the prediction of NFs through PHE and it becomes better for relatively small particles' concentrations and low flow rates.

Application of Nanofluids in Improving the Performance of Double-Pipe Heat Exchangers-A Critical Review

Nanofluids can be employed as one of the two fluids needed to improve heat exchanger performance due to their improved thermal and rheological properties. In this review, the impact of nanoparticles on nanofluid properties is discussed by analyzing factors such as the concentration, size, and shape of nanoparticles. Nanofluid thermophysical properties and flow rate directly influence the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop. High thermal conductivity nanoparticles improve the heat transfer coefficient; in particular, metallic oxide (such as MgO, TiO₂, and ZnO) nanoparticles show greater enhancement of this property by up to 30% compared to the base fluid. Nanoparticle size and shape are other factors to consider as well, e.g., a significant difference in thermal conductivity enhancement from 6.41% to 9.73% could be achieved by decreasing the Al₂O₃ nanoparticle size from 90 to 10 nm, affecting nanofluid viscosity and density. In addition, equations to determine the heat transfer rate and the pressure drop in a double-pipe heat exchanger are presented. It was established that the main factor that directly influences the heat transfer coefficient is the nanofluid thermal conductivity, and nanofluid viscosity affects the pressure drop.

Ionic Liquid and Ionanofluid-Based Redox Flow Batteries—A Mini Review

Stationary energy storage methods such as flow batteries are one of the best options to integrate with smart power grids. Though electrochemical energy storage using flow battery technologies has been successfully demonstrated since the 1970s, the introduction of ionic liquids into the field of energy storage introduces new dimensions in this field. This reliable energy storage technology can provide significantly more flexibility when incorporated with the synergic effects of ionic liquids. This mini-review enumerates the present trends in redox flow battery designs and the use of ionic liquids as electrolytes, membranes, redox couples, etc. explored in these designs. This review specifically intends to provide an overview of the research prospects of ionic liquids for redox flow batteries (RFB).

A Perspective Review on Thermal Conductivity of Hybrid Nanofluids and Their Application in Automobile Radiator Cooling

Hybrid nanofluids developed with the fusion or suspension of two or more different nanoparticles in a mixture as a novel heat transfer fluid are currently of interest to researchers due to their proven better measured thermal conductivities. Several reviewed articles exist on the thermal conductivity of hybrid nanofluids, a vital property for which the heat transfer rate is directly dependent. This review aims to understand the current developments in hybrid nanofluids and their applications. An extensive literature survey was carried out of heuristic-based articles published in the last 15 years. The review reiterates topical research on the preparation methods and ways to improve the stability of readied fluid, thermophysical properties of mixture nanofluids, and some empirical correlations developed for estimating thermal conductivity. Hybrid nanofluid studies on heat transfer performance in automobile radiator cooling systems were also obtained and discussed. The review’s significant findings include the following: (1) hybrid nanofluids produce a noticeable thermal conductivity enhancement and a relatively higher heat transfer coefficient than mono nanofluids and regular liquids. Furthermore, through the uniform dispersion and stable suspension of nanoparticles in the host liquids, the maximum possible thermal augmentation can be obtained at the lowest possible concentrations (by <0.1% by volume). (2) An automobile radiator’s overall heat transfer accomplishment can thus be boosted by using a mixture of nanofluids as conventional coolants. Up-to-date literature results on the thermal conductivity enhancement of mixture fluids are also presented in this study. Nonetheless, some of the barriers and challenges acknowledged in this work must be addressed for its complete deployment in modern applications.

Study of change in heat capacity of carbon nanotubes based ionanofluid prepared from a series of imidazolium ionic liquids

Ionanofluids (INFs), nanoparticles dispersed into a base fluid, e.g. an ionic liquid, are a novel class of an alternative heat transfer fluids. An addition of nanoparticles into base ionic liquid...

Effect of ultrasonication time on microstructure, thermal conductivity, and viscosity of ionanofluids with originally ultra-long multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The stability along with thermal and rheological characteristics of ionanofluids (INFs) profoundly depend on the protocol of preparation. Therefore, in this work, the effect of ultrasonication time on microstructure, thermal conductivity, and viscosity of INFs containing 0.2 wt% of originally ultra-long multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and four different ILs, namely 1-propyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate, or 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tricyanomethanide, was studied. The INFs were obtained by a two-step method using an ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonication process was performed for 1, 3, 10, or 30 min at a constant nominal power value of 200 W. The obtained results showed that for the shortest sonication time, the highest thermal conductivity enhancement of 12% was obtained. The extended sonication time from 1 to 30 min caused the cutting of MWCNTs and breaking the nanoparticle clusters, leading to a decrease in the average length of the nanotube bundles by approx. 70%. This resulted in a decline in thermal conductivity even by 7.2% and small deviations from the Newtonian behavior of INFs.

Carbon-Based Nanofluids and Their Advances towards Heat Transfer Applications-A Review

Nanofluids have opened the doors towards the enhancement of many of today's existing thermal applications performance. This is because these advanced working fluids exhibit exceptional thermophysical properties, and thus making them excellent candidates for replacing conventional working fluids. On the other hand, nanomaterials of carbon-base were proven throughout the literature to have the highest thermal conductivity among all other types of nanoscaled materials. Therefore, when these materials are homogeneously dispersed in a base fluid, the resulting suspension will theoretically attain orders of magnitude higher effective thermal conductivity than its counterpart. Despite this fact, there are still some challenges that are associated with these types of fluids. The main obstacle is the dispersion stability of the nanomaterials, which can lead the attractive properties of the nanofluid to degrade with time, up to the point where they lose their effectiveness. For such reason, this work has been devoted towards providing a systematic review on nanofluids of carbon-base, precisely; carbon nanotubes, graphene, and nanodiamonds, and their employment in thermal systems commonly used in the energy sectors. Firstly, this work reviews the synthesis approaches of the carbon-based feedstock. Then, it explains the different nanofluids fabrication methods. The dispersion stability is also discussed in terms of measuring techniques, enhancement methods, and its effect on the suspension thermophysical properties. The study summarizes the development in the correlations used to predict the thermophysical properties of the dispersion. Furthermore, it assesses the influence of these advanced working fluids on parabolic trough solar collectors, nuclear reactor systems, and air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Lastly, the current gap in scientific knowledge is provided to set up future research directions.

Non-Isothermal Hydrodynamic Characteristics of a Nanofluid in a Fin-Attached Rotating Tube Bundle

In the present study, a novel configuration of a rotating tube bundle was simulated under non-isothermal hydrodynamic conditions using a mixture model. Eight fins were considered in this study, which targeted the hydrodynamics of the system. An aqueous copper nanofluid was used as the heat transfer fluid. Various operating factors, such as rotation speed (up to 500 rad/s), Reynolds number (10–80), and concentration of the nanofluid (0.0–4.0%) were applied, and the performance of the microchannel heat exchanger was assessed. It was found that the heat transfer coefficient of the system could be enhanced by increasing the Reynolds number, the concentration of the nanofluid, and the rotation speed. The maximum enhancement in the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) was 258% after adding a 4% volumetric nanoparticle concentration to the base fluid and increasing Re from 10 to 80 and ω from 0 to 500 rad/s. Furthermore, at Re = 80 and ω = 500 rad/s, the HTC values measured for the nanofluid were 42.3% higher than those calculated for water, showing the nanoparticles’ positive impact on the heat transfer paradigm. Moreover, it was identified that copper nanoparticles’ presence had no significant effect on the system’s pressure drop. This was attributed to the interaction of the fluid flow and circulated flow around the tubes. Finally, the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop had no considerable changes when augmenting the rotation speed at high Reynolds numbers.

Environmental impacts of nanofluids: A review

Nanofluids (NFs) have been expanding their applications in many areas as high-performance heat transfer fluid (HTF) for heating and cooling purposes. This is mainly due to the improved thermophysical properties relative to the base fluid (BF). The addition of nanoparticles (NPs) to BF, to obtain NFs, increases the thermal conductivity, hence better heat transfer properties and thermal performance. The properties of NFs can be considered somehow intermediate between those of the BF and the added solid NPs. The improved heat transfer using NFs results in increased energy conversion efficiency, which results in reduced energy consumption for heating or cooling applications. BF and their environmental impacts (EIs) have been widely discussed within the scope of their applications as a HTF, with most of the attention given to the improved energy efficiency. The IEs of NPs and their toxicity and other characteristics have been extensively studied due to the widespread applications on newly engineered NPs. However, with the evolution of expanding the applications of NFs, the different EIs were not well addressed. The discussion should consider both the base fluid and NPs added in combination as the NF constitutes. The current work presents a brief discussion on the EIs of NFs. The discussion presented in this work considers the NPs as the primary contributor to the EIs of different NFs. It was found that the EIs of NFs depend significantly on the type of NP used, followed by the BF, and finally, the loading of NPs in BF. The use of non-toxic and naturally occurring NPs at lower NPs loading in water as NF promises a much lower EIs in terms of toxicity energy requirements for production, and other EIs, while still maintaining high thermal performance. The production methods of both NPs, i.e., synthesis route, and NF, i.e., one-step or two-step, were found to have a significant effect on the associated EIs of the produced NF. The simpler NP synthesis route and NF production will result in much lower chemicals and energy requirements, which in turn reduce the EIs.

Optimization of Thermophysical and Rheological Properties of Mxene Ionanofluids for Hybrid Solar Photovoltaic/Thermal Systems

Since technology progresses, the need to optimize the thermal system's heat transfer efficiency is continuously confronted by researchers. A primary constraint in the production of heat transfer fluids needed for ultra-high performance was its intrinsic poor heat transfer properties. MXene, a novel 2D nanoparticle possessing fascinating properties has emerged recently as a potential heat dissipative solute in nanofluids. In this research, 2D MXenes (Ti3C2) are synthesized via chemical etching and blended with a binary solution containing Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and ionic liquid (IL) to formulate stable nanofluids at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 wt%. Furthermore, the effect of different temperatures on the studied liquid's thermophysical characteristics such as thermal conductivity, density, viscosity, specific heat capacity, thermal stability and the rheological property was experimentally conducted. A computational analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of ionic liquid-based 2D MXene nanofluid (Ti3C2/DEG+IL) in hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems. A 3D numerical model is developed to evaluate the thermal efficiency, electrical efficiency, heat transfer coefficient, pumping power and temperature distribution. The simulations proved that the studied working fluid in the PV/T system results in an enhancement of thermal efficiency, electrical efficiency and heat transfer coefficient by 78.5%, 18.7% and 6%, respectively.

Homogeneous and Multiphase Analysis of Nanofluids Containing Nonspherical MWCNT and GNP Nanoparticles Considering the Influence of Interfacial Layering

The practical implication of nanofluids is essentially dependent on their accurate modelling, particularly in comparison with the high cost of experimental investigations, yet the accuracy of different computational approaches to simulate nanofluids remains controversial to this day. Therefore, the present study is aimed at analysing the homogenous, multiphase Eulerian–Eulerian (volume of fluid, mixture, Eulerian) and Lagrangian–Eulerian approximation of nanofluids containing nonspherical nanoparticles. The heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)-based and multiwalled carbon nanotubes/graphene nanoplatelets (MWCNT/GNP)-based nanofluids are computed by incorporating the influence of several physical mechanisms, including interfacial nanolayering. The accuracy of tested computational approaches is evaluated by considering particle concentration and Reynolds number ranges of 0.075–0.25 wt% and 200–470, respectively. The results demonstrate that for all nanofluid combinations and operational conditions, the Lagrangian–Eulerian approximation provides the most accurate convective heat transfer coefficient values with a maximum deviation of 5.34% for 0.25 wt% of MWCNT–water nanofluid at the largest Reynolds number, while single-phase and Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase models accurately estimate the thermal fields of the diluted nanofluids at low Reynolds numbers, but overestimate the results for denser nanofluids at high Reynolds numbers.

Investigation of Electrical Conductivity, Optical Property, and Stability of 2D MXene Nanofluid Containing Ionic Liquids

The addition of ionic liquids with MXene nanofluid has a substantial impact on the solar thermal collectors’ working fluid’s optical properties that effectively absorb and distribute solar radiation. Increased solar radiation absorption potential ensures that heats are transported more rapidly and effectively. This research endeavors to investigate the concept of accumulating solar energy via the usage of ionic liquid-based 2D MXene nanofluid (Ionanofluids) for solar applications. In this study, the optical potential of Diethylene Glycol/MXene nanofluid incorporated with 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium octyl sulfate ([Emim][OSO4]) ionic liquid was extensively investigated with respect to MXene concentration (0.1 to 0.4 wt%) and time (first day and seventh day) through UV-Vis Spectroscopy. A two-step approach was employed to synthesize the proposed ionanofluids with nanoparticle concentrations from 0.1 to 0.4 wt%. In wavelengths between 240 to 790 nm, the effect of ionic liquids, MXene concentration, and dispersion stability played a significant part in enhancing the absorbance capacity of the formulated MXene based Ionanofluid. Furthermore, the increase in the concentration of MXene nanoparticles resulted in more absorbance peaks facilitating high light absorption. Finally, the electrical conductivity of the ionanofluids is also analyzed as MXene renders them promising for solar cell applications. The utmost electrical conductivity of the formulated fluids of 571 μS/cm (micro siemens per centimeter) was achieved at 0.4 wt% concentration.

Consequences of Soret–Dufour Effects, Thermal Radiation, and Binary Chemical Reaction on Darcy Forchheimer Flow of Nanofluids

This research article aims to investigate the consequences of binary chemical reaction, thermal radiation, and Soret–Dufour effects on a steady incompressible Darcy–Forchheimer flow of nanofluids. Stretching surface is assumed to drive the fluid along positive horizontal direction. Brownian motion, and the Thermophoresis are accounted in particular. The governing highly nonlinear system of problems which are advanced version of Navier–Stokes equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using appropriately adjusted transformations invoking symmetric property of the independent variables. The numerical approach using RK45 in connection with shooting technique is adopted to solve the final equations. Graphical approach is used to interpret the results and the values of important physical quantities are given in tabular data form. Velocity field, temperature distribution and concentration distribution are graphically analyzed for variation in respective fluid parameters. Furthermore, density graphs and stream lines are sketched for the present model. The outputs indicate a rise of temperature field in connection with thermal radiation parameter. A clear decline is noticed in velocity field for elevated values of Forchheimer number and porosity factor. The Dufour effect anticipates a rising factor for temperature distribution and the same is noticed for concentration distribution in lieu of Soret effect. Thermal radiation and binary chemical reaction has strong impact on heat transport mechanism. The results for physical quantities such as skin friction, heat and mass flux rates are given in tabular data form in last section of this study.

Improved Thermophysical Properties and Energy Efficiency of Aqueous Ionic Liquid/MXene Nanofluid in a Hybrid PV/T Solar System

In recent years, solar energy technologies have developed an emerging edge. The incessant research to develop a power source alternative to fossil fuel because of its scarcity and detrimental effects on the environment is the main driving force. In addition, nanofluids have gained immense interest as superior heat transfer fluid in solar technologies for the last decades. In this research, a binary solution of ionic liquid (IL) + water based ionanofluids is formulated successfully with two dimensional MXene (Ti₃C₂) nano additives at three distinct concentrations of 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 wt % and the optimum concentration is used to check the performance of a hybrid solar PV/T system. The layered structure of MXene and high absorbance of prepared nanofluids have been perceived by SEM and UV–vis respectively. Rheometer and DSC are used to assess the viscosity and heat capacity respectively while transient hot wire technique is engaged for thermal conductivity measurement. A maximum improvement of 47% in thermal conductivity is observed for 0.20 wt % loading of MXene. Furthermore, the viscosity is found to rise insignificantly with addition of Ti₃C₂ by different concentrations. Conversely, viscosity decreases substantially as the temperature increases from 20 °C to 60 °C. However, based on their thermophysical properties, 0.20 wt % is found to be the optimum concentration. A comparative analysis in terms of heat transfer performance with three different nanofluids in PV/T system shows that, IL+ water/MXene ionanofluid exhibits highest thermal, electrical, and overall heat transfer efficiency compared to water/alumina, palm oil/MXene, and water alone. Maximum electrical efficiency and thermal efficiency are recorded as 13.95% and 81.15% respectively using IL + water/MXene, besides that, heat transfer coefficients are also noticed to increase by 12.6% and 2% when compared to water/alumina and palm oil/MXene respectively. In conclusion, it can be demonstrated that MXene dispersed ionanofluid might be great a prospect in the field of heat transfer applications since they can augment the heat transfer rate considerably which improves system efficiency.

On the Role of Nanofluids in Thermal-hydraulic Performance of Heat Exchangers-A Review

Heat exchangers are key components in many of the devices seen in our everyday life. They are employed in many applications such as land vehicles, power plants, marine gas turbines, oil refineries, air-conditioning, and domestic water heating. Their operating mechanism depends on providing a flow of thermal energy between two or more mediums of different temperatures. The thermo-economics considerations of such devices have set the need for developing this equipment further, which is very challenging when taking into account the complexity of the operational conditions and expansion limitation of the technology. For such reasons, this work provides a systematic review of the state-of-the-art heat exchanger technology and the progress towards using nanofluids for enhancing their thermal-hydraulic performance. Firstly, the general operational theory of heat exchangers is presented. Then, an in-depth focus on different types of heat exchangers, plate-frame and plate-fin heat exchangers, is presented. Moreover, an introduction to nanofluids developments, thermophysical properties, and their influence on the thermal-hydraulic performance of heat exchangers are also discussed. Thus, the primary purpose of this work is not only to describe the previously published literature, but also to emphasize the important role of nanofluids and how this category of advanced fluids can significantly increase the thermal efficiency of heat exchangers for possible future applications.