Review on Heat Transfer Enhancement of Nanofluids - Engine Coolant

Abstract

Heat transfer fluids are indispensable in heat transfer and exchange equipment. They determine the ability of the system to dissipate thermal energy. However, they are limited by their low convective heat transfer rates. Nanofluids are suspensions of nanomaterial and most of them are elements with a high thermal conductivity suspended (immersed) in conventional fluids. This enhances the heat transfer rates while also changing the property of the fluid and is a new opportunity for thermal sciences provided by the advances in nanoscience. The nanofluids are expected to be the next generation of heat transfer fluids because of their unique thermal properties and enhanced heat transfer rate in comparison to conventional cooling fluids. This study provides a review of research in this field with focus on heat transfer characteristics and potential applications of nanofluids. The paper also identifies opportunities for future research on nanofluids’ heat transfer application in internal combustion engines.