Characterizing the Stability of Carbon Nanotube Enhanced Water as a Heat Transfer Nanofluid

Heat dissipation is a major challenge for many technologies. Possible solutions include thermal energy transfer via coolant fluid to a phase change material (PCM), with higher thermal conductivity a design goal. In recent years, heat transfer nanofluids (fluids with suspended nanoparticles) have received attention based on their potential for improving thermal conductivity. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are an attractive additive due to their enhanced thermal conductivity and ability to remain suspended over long times. However, characterizing their potential is difficult due to the many design variables and the need for repeated thermal conductivity tests for comparison. Since thermal conductivity enhancement is dependent on a dispersed nanotube network, the electrical conductivity of CNTs can be exploited to monitor the stability of such nanofluids, as such testing is quick and simple. The aim of this research was to evaluate electrical conductivity testing as a means to monitor stability of CNT-enhanced distilled water as a PCM, with varying CNT size, type, and concentration; and various other processing variables. The prepared nanofluids were tested after repeated phase change cycles. Results indicate that electrical conductivity testing is a practical means of monitoring the nanofluid stability, and CNT-based nanofluids show both promise and limitations as a PCM.