Numerical Analysis Of Ethylene Glycol Based Hybrid Nanofluid As A Coolant For Automotive Radiators

Abstract

In this paper, the cooling potential of hybrid nanofluid containing ethylene glycol with three types of nanoparticles: Cu- Al2O3, Cu- ZnO and CuO- ZnO is investigated for their suitability as industrial coolants. Nanofluids are obtained by dispersing micron-sized nanoparticles in a base fluid. They possess better thermophysical properties compared to convection fluids. Advancement in technology has created the need to develop shrunk devices though with intensified processes to achieve aesthetics. As a result, ordinary fluids and nanofluids are however becoming unsuitable due to their incapacity to fully eliminate heat from the modern engines. This therefore calls for coolants exhibiting higher thermal properties. Hybrid
nanofluids, obtained by dispersing two types of nanoparticles in a base fluid, are highly recommended as a remedy. They withstand the excess heat liberated which may cause wear and tear of engine parts. They are
utilized as industrial heat transfer fluids in automotive, geothermal, solar energy, electronics, and biomedical fields due to their enhanced thermal physical properties. The governing equations were formulated from the general equations governing the fluid flow. The resultant equations were non- dimensionalised and then solved using the fourth order Runge Kutta method. The results are presented graphically and discussed putting into consideration their industrial applications. The study emphasized the
effects of pertinent parameters on fluid velocity, temperature, skin friction, and rate of heat transfer. The results revealed that Aluminium oxide- Zinc Oxide/EG- water hybrid nanofluid exhibited higher rate of heat transfer and lower skin friction compared to Cu-H2O nanofluid, highlighting its great potential for enhanced thermal management in automotive radiators.