Thermal energy storage behavior of Al2O3–H2O nanofluids

Abstract This study aims to evaluate the potential of Al 2 O 3 –H 2 O nanofluids as a new phase change material for the thermal energy storage of cooling systems. Different mass fractions of nanofluids were prepared through adding Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate into water solution at 1 h of ultrasonic vibration. Measurement of particle size and zeta potential of nanofluids shows that Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles have good dispersion in water, but Al 2 O 3 –H 2 O nanofluids with high mass fraction will make nanoparticles easier to aggregate. The thermal response test shows the addition of Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles remarkably decreases the supercooling degree of water, advances the beginning freezing time and reduces the total freezing time. In order to visually observe the freezing process, an infrared imaging experimental system was built. The photographs suggest that the freezing rate of nanofluids is enhanced. Only adding 0.2 wt% Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles, the total freezing time of Al 2 O 3 –H 2 O nanofluids can be reduced by 20.5%.

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