Enhancement of heat transfer characteristics of transformer oil by addition of aluminium nanoparticles

Abstract

A two step approach involving the synthesis of Al nanoparticles by mechanical milling followed by dispersion of the nanoparticles in the base fluid is adopted in the present work to prepare transformer oil based nanofluids. Stainless steel (AISI 304) probes of diameter 15 mm and height 70 mm were used to determine the cooling rate intensities of nanofluids. Heat transfer coefficients were determined using Kobasko's method. A dynamic contact angle analyzer was used to determine the contact angle of the droplet on the substrate. The addition of Al nanoparticles to the base fluid decreases the wettability and improves its heat transfer capability. The vapour phase stage existed for a longer period of time for transformer oil than for Al-transformer oil based nanofluids. The dispersion of nanoparticles in the base fluid is believed to disrupt the vapour blanket stage in the early stage of the cooling process. The peak heat transfer coefficient increases with an increase in the Al nanoparticle content in the oil. The addition of 0.5 vol % nanoparticles enhances the peak heat transfer coefficient by about 70 %. Copyright 2011 by ASTM International.