DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF NANOFLUID CAR RADIATOR

Abstract

This project presents a review of the design and development of nanofluid car radiator test rig.
Initial studies were directed towards the determination of the properties of nanofluids, especially
their thermal conductivity and viscosity. The studies indicate that thermal conductivity and
viscosity increase with an increase in the concentration of the nanofluid. Experiments were
conducted with different nanofluids, at various concentrations and temperature ranges, for the
estimation of the heat transfer coefficient and friction factor for water-based nanofluids. All the
studies confirmed enhancement of the heat transfer coefficient with an increase in
concentration. Solid particles dispersed in a liquid with sizes no larger than 100nm, known as
nanofluids, are used to enhance Thermophysical properties compared to the base fluid.
Preparations of alumina (Al2O3), titania (TiO2) and silica (SiO2) in water have been
experimentally conducted in volume concentrations ranging between 1 and 2.5%. Thermal
conductivity is measured by the hot wire method and viscosity with viscometer equipment. The
results of thermal conductivity and viscosity showed an enhancement (0.5–20% and 0.5–60%
respectively) compared with the base fluid. The data measured agreed with experimental data
of other researchers with deviation of less than 5%. The study showed that alumina has the
highest thermal conductivity, followed silica and titania, on the other hand silica has the highest
viscosity followed alumina and titania. Radiator is one of the important components in
automobile. The nanofluid is mixed with the radiator coolant and pours into the automobile
radiator.