High-pressure research in geophysics: S. Akimoto and M.H. Manghnani (editors). Reidel, Dordrecht, in co-edition with Center for Academic Publications, Tokyo, 1982, xiii + 632 pp., Dfl.260.00/approx. $113.00 (clothbound)

Abstract

This work aims to analyze thermal performance for an electric heater filled with different nanofluids, including SiO2-water nanofluid, Fe3O4-water nanofluid, and Cu-water nanofluid. The effect of nanoparticle concentration (0.1–2.0 wt%) is also discussed. Results indicate that Cu-water nanofluids show better heat transfer performance than the other nanofluids. The highest heating efficiency for the external environment is observed for Cu-water nanofluids with 2.0 wt% mass fraction. Cu nanoparticles show some shortcomings, such as high costs and easy oxidation. With action of a magnetic field, magnetic nanoparticles destroy the flow boundary layer close to the wall. Thermal performance of Fe3O4-water nanofluid under magnetic fields shows an ambient equilibrium temperature of 65.6 °C, which is 0.1 °C lower than that of Cu-water nanofluid. Although the heating time of Fe3O4-water nanofluid (108 min) is longer than that of Cu-water nanofluid, it provides an alternative material with low costs to achieve the high-efficient heating. This research provides economical and valuable methods to improve thermal performance of electric heating structures, and it is a promising way to reduce carbon emission from burning fossil fuels for heating supply in cities and villages, particularly if the electricity is from renewable resources.