Automobile Radiator Integrated with Al2O3 Nanofluid for Compact Size and Sustainability Enhancement

Abstract

An assessment study was conducted making use of the heat transfer enhancement capability of alumina nanoparticles in reducing the size of an automobile radiator cooling system. Experimental data was compiled from different resources to examine the sensitivity of the thermophysical properties of the bulk fluid to the addition of nanoparticles to the base fluid. Correlations were obtained for a radiator-type heat exchanger. The Nusselt number of the bulk fluid is shown to increase by 50% with the introduction of 1% by volume of alumina nanoparticles to the base fluid. Life cycle assessment was conducted on a conventional-size radiator system for 2017 Subaru Impreza with a 2.0 L engine, and on a resized radiator system having the same effectiveness but using 1% by volume of alumina nanoparticles added to the base fluid. For the same heat exchanger effectiveness, the introduction of 1% by volume of alumina nanoparticles to the base fluid reduces the size of the radiator by 26%, the water pump by 60% and the cooling fan by 28%. An economic input-output life cycle assessment shows a reduction of 28% in the consumed energy and global warming potential, and a reduction of 29% in water usage and total air releases.