Enhancing Radiator Cooling with CuO Nanofluid Microchannels

Abstract

The study explores in employing copper oxide (CuO) nanofluid as a cooling medium in the vehicle radiators. To simulate the heat transfer process, the microchannel is constructed using elec-tron discharge machining (EDM) and a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling is em-ployed. UV-visible spec- troscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scat-tering (DLS) are used to character- ize the CuO nanofluid. CuO nanofluid surpasses water in the heat transfer capabilities, with a 40% im- provement in thermal conductivity. The average size of CuO nanoparticles was determined via DLS to be 485.1 nm. The heat transfer coefficient of CuO nanofluid is 5366 W/m2K, which is 116% larger than that of water. The increased heat transfer capabilities of CuO nanofluid microchannel flow indicate to its po- tential as a viable replacement for conventional radiators in the automotive applications. Lower engine tempera-tures, increased fuel efficiency, and longer engine lifespan may result from improved cooling per- formance. Due of the small size of microchannels, more efficient and space-saving radiators for automo- biles are conceivable. More research is needed to improve the microchannel design as well as to realize the practical benefits of CuO nanofluids in car cooling systems.