The Role of Nanofluids in Enhancing Energy Conversion Technologies: A Comparative Study of Different Types of Nanoparticles

Abstract

The integration of nanofluids into energy conversion systems has emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing heat transfer performance and overall efficiency. This study provides a comparative analysis of different types of nanoparticles—including metal oxides, carbon-based nanomaterials, and hybrid composites—dispersed in base fluids to evaluate their impact on thermophysical properties such as thermal conductivity, viscosity, and specific heat capacity. Experimental and computational investigations reveal that nanofluids significantly improve heat exchanger performance, solar thermal collectors, and cooling systems by facilitating superior thermal transport mechanisms. However, variations in stability, cost, and environmental impact across nanoparticle types necessitate careful material selection for specific applications. The findings underscore the importance of optimizing nanoparticle concentration, size, and morphology to achieve maximum efficiency gains while mitigating potential operational challenges. This comparative study aims to inform the development of next-generation energy conversion technologies that are both efficient and sustainable. Studies on nanofillers show that the increase in the thermal conductivity of nanofluids depends on many variables, including the size of the nano-shaped filler and the surface area of ​​the particle, the amount of filler, particle aggregation, viscosity stability, Brownian motion, and the temperature effect. This article introduces these factors and how they affect the heat transfer of nanofluids.