Dispersion for Production of Nanofluid Coolants

NanoHex aims to develop and optimise safe processes for the production of high performance nanofluid coolants for use in industrial heat management. It will also endeavour to develop an analytical model that can accurately predict the thermal performance of such nanofluid coolants; something that has not yet been achieved.

Nanofluids have shown enhanced thermal properties in comparison to traditional coolants fluids and by coupling significant technical benefit and commercial viability with environmental friendliness, the NanoHex project seeked to produce a nanofluid that can be safely manufactured, applied and recycled.

The efficient removal of heat is one of the key challenge facing a number of industries, including microelectronics, transportation, manufacturing and power generation. With existing cooling technologies reaching their limit, innovative and more efficient cooling technologies are needed to support technological development and reduce the impact such technologies have on the environment.

The nanofluid developed will be applied in demonstrative cooling systems for both Data Centres and Power Electronic components to illustrate how nanofluid may help to extend product reliability, reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, cut carbon emissions, and ultimately, enable the development of more sustainable products and processes within industry.

The project has also devised a technology roadmap for Nanofluids which is leading to further developments in the use of Nanofluids in other applications such as metal cutting and quenching fluids. The €8.3 million project was funded by the Seventh Framework Programme grant, together with investment from the consortium themselves.