Graphene Heat Transfer Fluids With Stable Dispersion and Low Viscosity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat transfer fluids face challenges in achieving high thermal conductivity while maintaining low viscosity and preventing sedimentation and coating of system components, with particulate additives often leading to increased energy consumption and material wastage.
Innovation Solution
The use of surface-functionalised graphene particles, specifically with oxygen-based functional groups or surfactant molecules, dispersed in a base fluid to enhance thermal performance and prevent agglomeration, while minimizing viscosity changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If particulate additives are included to improve thermal properties, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but viscosity increases leading to higher energy consumption for pumping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the size distribution (D10, D50, D90 parameters), shape factors, and surface properties of the particulate additives. By optimizing these parameters, the patent achieves improved heat transfer efficiency while minimizing viscosity increase and associated pumping energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining different types of particulate additives (metallic and non-metallic) with specific base fluids. This composite approach allows optimization of thermal conductivity while managing viscosity and dispersion stability to reduce pumping energy requirements.
2Temperature
If particulate additives are used to enhance heat absorption, then thermal performance improves, but sedimentation and coating of system components occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing particle size distribution, surface area to volume ratio, and surface properties of the particulates. These parameter adjustments enhance heat absorption while preventing sedimentation and coating, thereby maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses surfactants and dispersants as intermediary substances to coat the particulate additives. These intermediaries prevent direct contact between particles and system components, reducing coating and sedimentation while maintaining thermal performance and system reliability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional heat transfer fluids are used, then system operation is simple, but thermal conductivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite heat transfer fluids by combining conventional base fluids with specifically engineered particulate additives. This composite structure enhances thermal conductivity while maintaining operational simplicity through careful selection of stable, non-reactive particle formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the thermal conductivity of the base fluid through controlled addition of high-conductivity particulates. The formulation optimizes the balance between enhanced thermal performance and ease of system operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a heat transfer fluid with improved thermal conductivity and dispersibility, reducing the risk of coating and sedimentation, and offering antimicrobial properties, thus enhancing system efficiency and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
graphene particles are excellent heat conductors. Measured in-plane thermal conductivity of graphene generally lies in the range of 3000-5000 W/mK
Implementation Method 2
through providing surface functionalisation on the graphene, the particles are able to disperse in a relatively straightforward manner in water during manufacture and (importantly) remain in dispersion for long periods
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to heat transfer fluids, particularly in the context of heating and cooling systems. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of surface-functionalised graphene particles in heat transfer fluids. Provided is a use of surface-functionalised graphene particles to improve the thermal performance of a heat transfer fluid, a heat transfer fluid comprising surface-functionalised graphene particles in a base fluid, a thermal management system comprising the heat transfer fluid, and a method of making a heat transfer fluid comprising dispersing surface-functionalised graphene particles in a base fluid.