Waste Nanoparticle Effects on Thermal Conductivity of Water

A nanofluid can be defined as a fluid containing nano-sized particles ranging from 1 to 100 nm in size that are dispersed in full suspension with the fluid.  By adding nano-sized particles to the fluid there was hope to enhance the thermal conductivity of that fluid.  This was possible because the thermal conductivity of a solid is much greater than that of a liquid.  There have already been several studies showing the enhancement of thermal conductivity in nanofluids containing synthetically made engineered nanoparticles, but potential waste nanomaterials have not yet been thoroughly studied.  The purpose of this research project was to develop a fluid that contains both a base liquid solvent as well as a fraction of nanometer sized particles with the goal to enhance the overall thermal properties of the base fluid in use.  This nanofluid would serve the purpose of being circulated throughout a landfill heat exchanger system.  Landfill heat exchanger systems are necessary because the optimal temperature for methane production in a landfill is 35-45 degrees Celsius, however, landfills reach temperatures just over 60 degrees due to the decomposition reactions.  Since methane is used for energy production in landfills creating a better environment for methane production is essential.  This is just one beneficial use of nanofluids with enhanced thermal properties.  They can be used in several various heat exchanger systems to make processes more efficient.