Techniques for measuring the thermal conductivity of nanofluids: A review

There has been a rapid progress in research activities concerning nanofluids since a large enhancement in their thermal conductivity has been reported a decade ago. While this extraordinary thermal conductivity of nanofluids deserves scientific investigation, the inconsistency and controversy of the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Renewable & sustainable energy reviews 2010-09, Vol.14 (7), p.1913-1924
Main Authors: Paul, G., Chopkar, M., Manna, I., Das, P.K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Comparators
Construction
Devices
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Exact sciences and technology
Heat transfer
Measurement techniques
Metering, regulation, automation in energy
Nanocomposites
Nanofluid
Nanofluid Measurement techniques Thermal conductivity Thermal comparator
Nanomaterials
Nanostructure
Properties and use of thermal fluids
Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering
Thermal comparator
Thermal conductivity
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Summary:There has been a rapid progress in research activities concerning nanofluids since a large enhancement in their thermal conductivity has been reported a decade ago. While this extraordinary thermal conductivity of nanofluids deserves scientific investigation, the inconsistency and controversy of the results reported by different groups for identical nanofluids across the world raises fundamental doubts and poses a hindrance in the potential applications of nanofluids. This paper presents a critical review of the several techniques for the measurement of thermal conductivity of nanofluids employed by the researchers. Additionally, a detailed description of a unique thermal conductivity measurement device based on the thermal comparator principle, developed by the present authors has been described. Besides the principle of this measurement device, the constructional details have been elaborated. Finally, some suggestions have been made for improving the reliability of the measurement of thermal conductivity.
ISSN:1364-0321
1879-0690
DOI:10.1016/j.rser.2010.03.017