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15 pages, 2735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Size Effect of Nanoceria Blended with CIME Biodiesel on Engine Characteristics

by Vivek Pandey, Irfan Anjum Badruddin, Sarfaraz Kamangar and Addisu Bekele Alemayehu

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(1), 6; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13010006 - 20 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1143

Diesel fuel blends with biodiesels are expected to mitigate the rising price and demand of conventional fuels. Biodiesel fuel blends are also known to reduce engine emissions. Biodiesel is produced from various sources, one of which is Calophyllum Inophyllum methyl ester biodiesel (CIMEBD). [...] Read more.

Diesel fuel blends with biodiesels are expected to mitigate the rising price and demand of conventional fuels. Biodiesel fuel blends are also known to reduce engine emissions. Biodiesel is produced from various sources, one of which is Calophyllum Inophyllum methyl ester biodiesel (CIMEBD). Even though it serves to mitigate the energy crisis and has a low overall carbon footprint, CIMEBD has certain negative issues relating to engine performance and emission characteristics. Nanoparticle (NP) addition is known to enhance the engine performance characteristics of next generation biofuels. CeO₂ (cerium oxide or ceria) NPs of varying size are used in this study along with 25:75 biodiesel–diesel (BD) blend and a fixed NP concentration of 90 ppm. Ceria NP-doped fuel is shown to have better engine performance compared to diesel and BD blend for all load conditions. Improvements in brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) values equal to +30% and −46%, respectively, are observed from experiments for ceria NP-doped biodiesel, compared to diesel–biodiesel (BD) blend. Ceria NPs in the 20 to 40 nm range have optimum engine performance characteristics. Compared to BD blends, NP-doped biodiesel shows improvements in NOx, CO, CO₂, UHC, and soot parameters up to −35%, −60%, −35%, −38%, and −40%, respectively. Likewise, the optimum size of ceria NPs is in the range 20–40 nm for better emission characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology and Renewable Energy)

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10 pages, 2287 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Complete Solution-Processed Semitransparent and Flexible Organic Solar Cells: A Success of Polyimide/Ag-Nanowires- and PH1000-Based Electrodes with Plasmonic Enhanced Light Absorption

by Jing Wang, Xiangfei Liang, Jianing Xie, Xiaolong Yin, Jinhao Chen, Tianfu Gu, Yueqi Mo, Jianqing Zhao, Shumei Liu, Donghong Yu, Jibin Zhang and Lintao Hou

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(22), 3987; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12223987 - 12 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1615

Abstract

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have been widely studied due to the advantages of easy fabrication, low cost, light weight, good flexibility and sufficient transparency. In this work, flexible and semitransparent OSCs were successfully fabricated with the adoption of both polyimide/silver nanowires (PI/AgNW) and [...] Read more.

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have been widely studied due to the advantages of easy fabrication, low cost, light weight, good flexibility and sufficient transparency. In this work, flexible and semitransparent OSCs were successfully fabricated with the adoption of both polyimide/silver nanowires (PI/AgNW) and a conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS named PH1000 as the transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs). It is demonstrated that PI/AgNW is more suitable as a cathode rather than an anode in the viewpoint of its work function, photovoltaic performance, and simulations of optical properties. It is also found that the light incidence from PH1000 TCE can produce more plasmonic-enhanced photon absorption than the PI/AgNW electrode does, resulting in more high power conversion efficiency. Moreover, a high light transmittance of 33.8% and a decent efficiency of 3.88% are achieved for the whole all-flexible semitransparent device with only 9% decrease of resistance in PI/AgNW after 3000 bending cycles. This work illustrates that PI/AgNW has great potential and bright prospect in large-area OSC applications in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology and Renewable Energy)

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22 pages, 5238 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insight into the Investigation of Diamond Nanoparticles Suspended Therminol^®55 Nanofluids on Concentrated Photovoltaic/Thermal Solar Collector

by Likhan Das, Fazlay Rubbi, Khairul Habib, Navid Aslfattahi, Saidur Rahman, Syed Mohd Yahya and Kumaran Kadirgama

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(17), 2975; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12172975 - 28 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1419

Abstract

Nanofluids are identified as advanced working fluids in the solar energy conversion field with superior heat transfer characteristics. This research work introduces carbon-based diamond nanomaterial and Therminol^®55 oil-based nanofluids for implementation in a concentrated photovoltaic/thermal (CPV/T) solar collector. This study focuses [...] Read more.

Nanofluids are identified as advanced working fluids in the solar energy conversion field with superior heat transfer characteristics. This research work introduces carbon-based diamond nanomaterial and Therminol^®55 oil-based nanofluids for implementation in a concentrated photovoltaic/thermal (CPV/T) solar collector. This study focuses on the experimental formulation, characterization of properties, and performance evaluation of the nanofluid-based CPV/T system. Thermo-physical (thermal conductivity, viscosity, and rheology), optical (UV-vis and FT-IR), and stability (Zeta potential) properties of the formulated nanofluids are characterized at 0.001–0.1 wt.% concentrations of dispersed particles using experimental assessment. The maximum photo-thermal energy conversion efficiency of the base fluid is improved by 120.80% at 0.1 wt.%. The thermal conductivity of pure oil is increased by adding the nanomaterial. The highest enhancement of 73.39% is observed for the TH-55/DP nanofluid. Furthermore, dynamic viscosity decreased dramatically across the temperature range studied (20–100 °C), and the nanofluid exhibited dominant Newtonian flow behavior, with viscosity remaining nearly constant up to a shear rate of 100 s⁻¹. Numerical simulations of the nanofluid-operated CPV/T collector have disclosed substantial improvements. At a concentrated solar irradiance of 5000 W/m² and an optimal flow rate of 3 L/min, the highest thermal and electrical energy conversion efficiency enhancements are found to be 11 and 1.8%, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology and Renewable Energy)

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14 pages, 11231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermo-Optical Characterization of Therminol55 Based MXene–Al₂O₃ Hybridized Nanofluid and New Correlations for Thermal Properties

by Likhan Das, Khairul Habib, Kashif Irshad, Rahman Saidur, Salem Algarni and Talal Alqahtani

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(11), 1862; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12111862 - 30 May 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1667

Abstract

The current research focuses on formulating a new class of Therminol55-based nanofluids that incorporates an MXene/Al₂O₃ nanocomposite as the new class of dispersant at three different concentrations of 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 wt%. The optical and thermophysical properties of the [...] Read more.

The current research focuses on formulating a new class of Therminol55-based nanofluids that incorporates an MXene/Al₂O₃ nanocomposite as the new class of dispersant at three different concentrations of 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 wt%. The optical and thermophysical properties of the formulated nanofluid are assessed experimentally. Zeta potential and FTIR analyses are employed to evaluate the composite particles' surface charge and chemical stability, respectively. Thermal conductivity is observed to increase with nanoparticle loading and maximally augmented by 61.8% for 0.20 wt%, whereas dynamic viscosity increased with adding nanoparticles but remarkably dropped with increasing temperature. In addition, the prepared TH55/MXene + Al₂O₃ samples are thermally stable up to 200 °C according to TGA analyses. Moreover, the proposed correlations for the thermal conductivity and viscosity showed good agreement with the experimental data. The study’s findings suggest that the formulated nanofluid could be a viable contender to be used as a heat transfer fluid in the thermal sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology and Renewable Energy)

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14 pages, 3779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biostimulation of Anaerobic Digestion Using Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs) for Increasing Biogas Production from Cattle Manure

by Dilbag Singh, Kamla Malik, Meena Sindhu, Nisha Kumari, Vijaya Rani, Shikha Mehta, Karmal Malik, Poonam Ranga, Kashish Sharma, Neeru Dhull, Shweta Malik and Nisha Arya

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(3), 497; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12030497 - 31 Jan 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3046

Abstract

The effect of synthesised IONPs employing a nontoxic leaf extract of Azadirachta indica as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent for increasing biogas and methane output from cattle manure during anaerobic digestion (AD) was investigated in this study. Furthermore, the UV-visible spectra examination [...] Read more.

The effect of synthesised IONPs employing a nontoxic leaf extract of Azadirachta indica as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent for increasing biogas and methane output from cattle manure during anaerobic digestion (AD) was investigated in this study. Furthermore, the UV-visible spectra examination of the synthesized nanoparticles revealed a high peak at 432 nm. Using a transmission electron microscope, the average particle size of IONPs observed was 30–80 nm, with irregular, ultra-small, semi-spherical shapes that were slightly aggregated and well-distributed. IONPs had a polydisparity index (PDI) of 219 nm and a zeta potential of −27.0 mV. A set of six bio-digesters were fabricated and tested to see how varying concentrations of IONPs (9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 mg/L) influenced biogas, methane output, and effluent chemical composition from AD at mesophilic temperatures (35 ± 2 °C). With 18 mg/L IONPs, the maximum specific biogas and methane production were 136.74 L/g of volatile solids (VS) and 64.5%, respectively, compared to the control (p < 0.05), which provided only 107.09 L/g and 51.4%, respectively. Biogas and methane production increased by 27.6% and 25.4%, respectively using 18 mg/L IONPs as compared to control. In all treatments, the pH of the effluent was increased, while total volatile fatty acids, total solids, volatile solids, organic carbon content, and dehydrogenase activity decreased. Total solid degradation was highest (43.1%) in cattle manure + 18 mg/L IONPs (T5). According to the results, the IONPs enhanced the yield of biogas and methane when compared with controls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology and Renewable Energy)

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24 pages, 3248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Nanostructured Copper Surfaces for Efficient Pool Boiling Heat Transfer with Water, Water/Butanol Mixtures and Novec 649

by Matic Može, Viktor Vajc, Matevž Zupančič and Iztok Golobič

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3216; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11123216 - 26 Nov 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2851

Abstract

Increasing heat dissipation requirements of small and miniature devices demands advanced cooling methods, such as application of immersion cooling via boiling heat transfer. In this study, functionalized copper surfaces for enhanced heat transfer are developed and evaluated. Samples are functionalized using a chemical [...] Read more.

Increasing heat dissipation requirements of small and miniature devices demands advanced cooling methods, such as application of immersion cooling via boiling heat transfer. In this study, functionalized copper surfaces for enhanced heat transfer are developed and evaluated. Samples are functionalized using a chemical oxidation treatment with subsequent hydrophobization of selected surfaces with a fluorinated silane. Pool boiling tests with water, water/1-butanol mixture with self-rewetting properties and a novel dielectric fluid with low GWP (Novec™ 649) are conducted to evaluate the boiling performance of individual surfaces. The results show that hydrophobized functionalized surfaces covered by microcavities with diameters between 40 nm and 2 µm exhibit increased heat transfer coefficient (HTC; enhancements up to 120%) and critical heat flux (CHF; enhancements up to 64%) values in comparison with the untreated reference surface, complemented by favorable fabrication repeatability. Positive surface stability is observed in contact with water, while both the self-rewetting fluids and Novec™ 649 gradually degrade the boiling performance and in some cases also the surface itself. The use of water/1-butanol mixtures in particular results in surface chemistry and morphology changes, as observed using SEM imaging and Raman spectroscopy. This seems to be neglected in the available literature and should be focused on in further studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology and Renewable Energy)

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25 pages, 10871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Heat Transfer Enhancement in a Triple Tube Latent Heat Storage System Using Circular Fins with Inline and Staggered Arrangements

by Xinguo Sun, Hayder I. Mohammed, Mohammadreza Ebrahimnataj Tiji, Jasim M. Mahdi, Hasan Sh. Majdi, Zixiong Wang, Pouyan Talebizadehsardari and Wahiba Yaïci

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(10), 2647; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11102647 - 09 Oct 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 2763

Abstract

Inherent fluctuations in the availability of energy from renewables, particularly solar, remain a substantial impediment to their widespread deployment worldwide. Employing phase-change materials (PCMs) as media, saving energy for later consumption, offers a promising solution for overcoming the problem. However, the heat conductivities [...] Read more.

Inherent fluctuations in the availability of energy from renewables, particularly solar, remain a substantial impediment to their widespread deployment worldwide. Employing phase-change materials (PCMs) as media, saving energy for later consumption, offers a promising solution for overcoming the problem. However, the heat conductivities of most PCMs are limited, which severely limits the energy storage potential of these materials. This study suggests employing circular fins with staggered distribution to achieve improved thermal response rates of PCM in a vertical triple-tube heat exchanger involving two opposite flow streams of the heat-transfer fluid (HTF). Since heat diffusion is not the same at various portions of the PCM unit, different fin configurations, fin dimensions and HTF flow boundary conditions were explored using computational studies of melting in the PCM triple-tube system. Staggered configuration of fin distribution resulted in significant increases in the rates of PCM melting. The results indicate that the melting rate and heat charging rate could be increased by 37.2 and 59.1%, respectively, in the case of staggered distribution. Furthermore, the use of lengthy fins with smaller thickness in the vertical direction of the storage unit resulted in a better positive role of natural convection; thus, faster melting rates were achieved. With fin dimensions of 0.666 mm × 15 mm, the melting rate was found to be increased by 23.6%, when compared to the base case of 2 mm × 5 mm. Finally, it was confirmed that the values of the Reynolds number and inlet temperatures of the HTF had a significant impact on melting time savings when circular fins of staggered distribution were included. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology and Renewable Energy)

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Review

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29 pages, 6445 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hybrid Nanofluids—Next-Generation Fluids for Spray-Cooling-Based Thermal Management of High-Heat-Flux Devices

by Muhammad Asim and Farooq Riaz Siddiqui

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(3), 507; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12030507 - 01 Feb 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3001

Abstract

In recent years, technical advancements in high-heat-flux devices (such as high power density and increased output performance) have led to immense heat dissipation levels that may not be addressed by traditional thermal fluids. High-heat-flux devices generally dissipate heat in a range of 100–1000 [...] Read more.

In recent years, technical advancements in high-heat-flux devices (such as high power density and increased output performance) have led to immense heat dissipation levels that may not be addressed by traditional thermal fluids. High-heat-flux devices generally dissipate heat in a range of 100–1000 W/cm² and are used in various applications, such as data centers, electric vehicles, microelectronics, X-ray machines, super-computers, avionics, rocket nozzles and laser diodes. Despite several benefits offered by efficient spray-cooling systems, such as uniform cooling, no hotspot formation, low thermal contact resistance and high heat transfer rates, they may not fully address heat dissipation challenges in modern high-heat-flux devices due to the limited cooling capacity of existing thermal fluids (such as water and dielectric fluids). Therefore, in this review, a detailed perspective is presented on fundamental hydrothermal properties, along with the heat and mass transfer characteristics of the next-generation thermal fluid, that is, the hybrid nanofluid. At the end of this review, the spray-cooling potential of the hybrid nanofluid for thermal management of high-heat-flux devices is presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology and Renewable Energy)

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