Experimental studies on thermal conductivity of metal oxides/water-ethylene glycol (50%-50%) nanofluids with varying temperature and concentration using ultrasonic interferometer

Abstract

The thermal conductivity of nanofluid has been measured using an ultrasonic interferometer with the help of Bridgman's equation. Due to the strong dependency of the thermal conductivity of nanofluid on base fluid, we have taken different combinations of water and ethylene glycol. An equal proportion of both fluids gives the highest thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of nanofluid with concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% have been measured within the temperature range of 30OC to 80OC. Measured thermal conductivity of the prepared nanofluids is increased up to 288% (CuO), 272% (MgO), and 234% (Fe2O3) and found better increment in comparison to the results reported by earlier researchers. Observed increment in the thermal conductivity of metal oxide nanofluids can be explained on the basis of static and dynamic parameters of the nanofluid. The high thermal conductivity of such nanofluids suggests it as a potential candidate for systems where heat transfer is required.