Heat transfer behaviour of Nanofluids

Nanofluids are stable colloidal suspensions of nanoparticles, nanofibers, or nanocomposites in common base fluids, such as water, oil, ethylene-glycol mixtures. Study on nanofluids heat transfer is rather a very recent subject. However, it has attracted many researchers because of their promising heat transfer characteristics vis-a-vis water for applications in future nuclear and process industries. In the similar framework, the authors have investigated the pool boiling heat transfer characteristics of Al2O3 Nanofluids. Experiments were carried out to measure the heat transfer coefficient of water and Alumina nanofluid. Further, experiments were carried out to determine the critical heat flux of Alumina Nanofluids for concentrations ranging from 0.001 % to 1 % by weight. In all the experiments, enhancement in CHF was observed as compared to water. This property of nanofluids certainly highlights the potential application of nanofluids in nuclear industries.