Titania Nanofluids Based on Natural Ester: Cooling and Insulation Properties Assessment

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Dielectric nanofluids are explored for advanced applications.
• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and maghemite nanofluids were previously investigated.
• Understanding thermal and electrical properties is crucial for application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess vegetal-based titanium dioxide (TiO2) dielectric nanofluid characteristics.
• To compare TiO2 nanofluid behavior with maghemite nanofluid.
• To evaluate the cooling performance of TiO2 nanofluid in an experimental setup.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of TiO2 vegetal-based dielectric nanofluid properties.
• Comparative analysis with a previously tested maghemite nanofluid.
• Testing the cooling performance of TiO2 nanofluid in an experimental setup.

Main Results:

• TiO2 nanofluid showed a maximal breakdown voltage improvement of 33% at 0.5 kg/m³.
• Thermal conductivity and viscosity remained largely constant.
• Cooling performance was slightly worse than the base fluid, unlike ferrofluids.

Conclusions:

• TiO2 nanofluids offer significant dielectric property enhancements.
• Cooling performance differences compared to ferrofluids suggest thermomagnetic buoyancy forces.
• Further research into thermomagnetic effects is needed for optimized cooling applications.