Recent advances in modeling and simulation of nanofluid flows-Part I: Fundamentals and theory

Nanofluids have found crucial presence in heat transfer applications with their promising characteristics that can be controlled as per requirements. Nanofluids possess unique characteristics that have attracted many researchers over the past two decades to design new thermal systems for different engineering applications. Mono nanofluids, prepared with a single kind of nanoparticles, possess certain specific benefits owing to the properties of the suspended nanoparticle. However to further improve the characteristics of nanofluids, that could possess a number of favourable characteristics, researchers developed a new generation heat transfer fluid called hybrid nanofluid. Hybrid nanofluids are prepared either by dispersing dissimilar nanoparticles as individual constituents or by dispersing nanocomposite particles in the base fluid. Hybrid nanofluids may possess better thermal network and rheological properties due to synergistic effect. Researchers, to adjudge the advantages, disadvantages and their suitability for diversified applications, are extensively investigating the behavior and properties of these hybrid nanofluids. This review summarizes the contemporary investigations on synthesis, thermo-physical properties, heat transfer characteristics, hydrodynamic behavior and fluid flow characteristics reported by researchers on different hybrid nanofluids. This review also outlines the applications and challenges associated with hybrid nanofluid and makes some suggestions for future scope of research in this area.

State-of-art review on hybrid nanofluids

The injected fluids in secondary processes supplement the natural energy present in the reservoir to displace oil. The recovery efficiency mainly depends on the mechanism of pressure maintenance. However, the injected fluids in tertiary or enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes interact with the reservoir rock/oil system. Thus, EOR techniques are receiving substantial attention worldwide as the available oil resources are declining. However, some challenges, such as low sweep efficiency, high costs and potential formation damage, still hinder the further application of these EOR technologies. Current studies on nanoparticles are seen as potential solutions to most of the challenges associated with these traditional EOR techniques. This paper provides an overview of the latest studies about the use of nanoparticles to enhance oil recovery and paves the way for researchers who are interested in the integration of these progresses. The first part of this paper addresses studies about the major EOR mechanisms of nanoparticles used in the forms of nanofluids, nanoemulsions and nanocatalysts, including disjoining pressure, viscosity increase of injection fluids, preventing asphaltene precipitation, wettability alteration and interfacial tension reduction. This part is followed by a review of the most important research regarding various novel nano-assisted EOR methods where nanoparticles are used to target various existing thermal, chemical and gas methods. Finally, this review identifies the challenges and opportunities for future study regarding application of nanoparticles in EOR processes.

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Application of Nanoparticles in Enhanced Oil Recovery: A Critical Review of Recent Progress

Solar energy systems (SESs) are considered as one of the most important alternatives to conventional fossil fuels, due to its ability to convert solar energy directly into heat and electricity without any negative environmental impact such as greenhouse gas emissions. Utilizing nanofluid as a potential heat transfer fluid with superior thermophysical properties is an effective method to enhance the thermal performance of solar energy systems. The purpose of this review paper is the investigation of the recent advances in the nanofluids’ applications in solar energy systems, i.e., solar collectors (SCs), photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems, solar thermoelectric devices, solar water heaters, solar-geothermal combined cooling heating and power system (CCHP), evaporative cooling for greenhouses, and water desalination.

Applications of nanofluids in solar energy: A review of recent advances

Recent advancements in PV cooling and efficiency enhancement integrating phase change materials based systems – A comprehensive review

Selection of suitable heat transfer fluid for heat dissipation is an important consideration in the design of heat exchanging systems. Nanofluid, a colloidal mixture made of a base fluid and a nanoparticle, is a new generation of heat transfer fluids becoming a high potential fluid in heat transfer applications due to enhanced thermal conductivity. Research studies about nanofluids are on the rise owing to the mounting interest and demand for nanofluids as heat transfer fluids in a wide variety of applications. Recently, nanofluid technology has a new dimension of impregnating two or more nanoparticles in base fluids, namely hybrid or composite nanofluids. This paper reviews the preparation of metal and metal oxides nanofluids and hybrid nanofluids and the various techniques used to study the physical and chemical characteristics of nanofluids. Thermo-physical and heat transfer properties of nanofluids including the improved thermal conductivity, viscosity and specific heat models for nanofluids are presented. Finally, various application areas of nanofluids, such as transportation, electronic cooling, energy storage, mechanical applications etc. are discussed.

Dhinesh Kumar Devendiran

Papers

A review on preparation, characterization, properties and applications of nanofluids