Enhancing Thermo-Economic Performance of TiO2-Water Nanofluids: An Experimental Investigation

In this study, the thermal and cost performance of TiO2-water nanofluids was investigated. Stable nanofluids were formulated by dispersing TiO2 nanoparticles in water as the base fluid. Thermal conductivity and viscosity of nanofluids were measured at 0.1–1 wt.% over the temperature range 25–65°C. The effects of constituent material properties were also analyzed. Enhancements in thermal conductivity and viscosity of the nanofluid were obtained. Thermal conductivity increased with concentration and temperature rise, whereas the viscosity increased with wt. fraction and decreased with temperature elevation. Thermal conductivity and viscosity were also influenced by material properties. The resultant data were compared with the published models and a wide deviation was observed. New models for thermal conductivity and viscosity of nanofluids with very high accuracy are proposed. Thermal performance based on the measured thermo-physical properties was analyzed. It was observed that nanofluids are suitable for heat transfer. Finally, a cost performance analysis was carried out to inspect the economic feasibility of nanofluids.