Improved thermal energy storage behavior of a novel nanofluid as phase change material (PCM)

The present research work is to accomplish a comprehensive study on the improved freezing and melting characteristics of a novel nanofluid as PCM. Nanofluid prepared in the present work consists of oleic acid and Ni-ZnO nanocomposites (NCs), for cooling applications. Ni-ZnO NCs with mass fractions of 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2wt% were suspended in oleic acid individually, for assessing the degree of thermal conductivity enhancement. The size and morphology of the as synthesized Ni-ZnO NCs were studied by FESEM. Phase change properties of nanofluids for freezing and melting were ascertained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. An increase in thermal conductivity due to dispersion of NCs was as certained with the help of laser flash analyzer (LFA). From the experimental results clearly indicate that time required for melting and freezing processes of nanofluids were lesser than that of base fluid. Thus, the newly prepared nanofluid could be suggested as one of the competent PCMs for cool energy storage systems. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.