Cool With Nano-fluid
Teacher: Dickson Bidokwu
Subject Area(s): Chemistry
Associated Curricula Units: Matter and Energy - Mixtures, Solutions and Energy
Lesson Title : “Cool With Nano-fluid”
Nanofluids
Figure 2
Figure 1
Engineers measuring the heat transfer of a nanofluid, a fluid containing nanoparticles in suspension.
(http://www.transportation.anl.gov/materials/nanofluids.html )
Grade Level: 10 and 11th grade.
Lesson #: 3 of 3
Lesson Dependency: Mixtures, Nano fluids, Heat transfer, Solar Energy
Time Required: 85 minutes
Summary
In this lesson students are introduced to the concept of mixtures and thermal properties of Nano-fluids.
Students will consider how combination of some physical properties of matter by mixing, can influence
new technologies developed by engineers. This lesson is a hands on lab experiment in which students
will investigate and make comparison of some properties of different mixtures of Nano-particle and
macro particle in a base fluid. Students will also research how scientist and Engineers are using
properties of Nanomaterial and Nanotechnology as an enabling innovative technology to design and
improve products qualities.
Engineering Connection
The field of engineering is very dynamic, everyday engineers are busy exploring creative ways to apply
their understanding of the properties of matter to decide what materials to use when creating and
designing new things. They use their understanding and knowledge of the physical and chemical
properties of elements, compound, mixtures and solutions when designing new synthetic materials for
different purposes. Their Imagination and creativity has no bounds, and with advances made by
technology, researchers learn more about the nature and properties of the building blocks of matter.
Innovative technologies in the areas of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology are now pushing science and
engineering to a new frontier.
Engineering Category = Relating science and math concept(s) to engineering
Keywords
chemical change, chemical property, chromatography, compound, crystallization, distillation, element,
extensive property, filtration, heterogeneous, homogeneous, intensive property, magnetic, matter,
mixture, periodic table, physical change, physical property, states of matter, solution, substance,
symbol, mass, biomedical, dots, energy, Ferro fluids, gold, gold nanoparticles, gold Nano shells,
material science, materials, medical, Nano, nanotechnology, reactant, product, quantum dots,
Rheology, multiphase, single phase,
Educational Standards
State STEM Standard
CPLAMS, 2008
Standard 1: The Practice of Science SC.912.N.1.1, SC.912.N.1.2
Standard 3: The Role of Theories, Laws, Hypothesis, and Models SC.912.N.3.1, SC.912.N.3.3
Standard 8: Matter SC.912.P.8.1, SC.912.P.8.2
Standard 10: Energy SC.912.P.10.7, SC.912.P.10.1
ITEEA Standard
International Technology and Engineering Educators Association: Technology, 2000
Standard 3: Students will develop an understanding of the relationships among technologies and the
connections between technology and other fields of study.
Standard 5: Students will develop an understanding of the effects of technology on the environment
NGSS Standard
HS-PS3-1. Create a computational model to calculate the change in the energy of one component in a system when the change in
energy of the other component(s) and energy flows in and out of the system are known.
HS-PS3-4. Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the transfer of thermal energy when two components of
different temperature are combined within a closed system results in a more uniform energy distribution among the
components in the system (second law of thermodynamics).
CCSS Standard
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics: Math [2010]
High School — Geometry (Grades 9 - 12)
Pre-Requisite Knowledge
Students already know that all forms of matter (elements, compound and mixtures) are made up tiny
building blocks-atom, they should be able to distinguish between types of mixtures - Homogeneous and
Heterogeneous.
Students can distinguish between physical and chemical properties of matter and Identify density,
electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, heat capacity, magnetization, etc. as physical properties of
matter. Also students will need to have an understanding of nanoscale and metric unit conversions prior
to this activity.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
 Explain how engineers use their knowledge of mixtures and solutions when designing new
synthetic materials for a multitude of purposes.
 Describe Nanofluids.
 Conduct an experiment to investigate some physical properties of nanofluids ( Thermal
conductivity, heat transfer capacity, density and particle agglomeration )
 Collect and graph data from experiment, analyze and make inference based on collected data.
 List areas of research in nanotechnology field and identify real- world application.
 Describe ways nanotechnology is expected to influence society.
Introduction / Motivation
Mixture is the physical combination of two or more substances each constituent substance in the mixture
retains its physical properties, while the mixture possesses an entirely new physical property different
from its constituent. Engineers explore the unique intrinsic properties of mixtures in the design and
development of new synthetic materials with high quality and advance properties.
Nano Science and Nano Technology are now pushing the boundaries of what can be attained using the
concept of Nanofluids, Ferro fluids (magnetic fluid)
Lesson Background & Concepts for Teachers
NanoScience and NanoEngineering involves the use of advanced technology and techniques, to
manipulate and explore the properties of matter at the Nano-scale level. Scientist and Engineers
specializing in the field of nanotechnology, are shifting from the popular conventional “macro and micro
scale” way of thinking, to Nano-scale in developing new innovative solution to solve challenging
problems.
In the third component of this lesson, students are introduced to how engineers are using Nano- particles
to engineer fluids (Nanofluids) that have improved thermal conductivity and high heat transfer capacity.
Nanofluids are mixtures containing nanometer-sized particles, (nanoparticle), and these fluids are
engineered colloidal suspensions of nanoparticles in a base fluid. The nanoparticles used in Nanofluids
are typically made of metals, oxides, carbides, or carbon nanotubes and some common base fluids include
water, ethylene glycol and oil.
Nanofluids have been found to possess unique properties that make them potentially useful in many
applications in which rapid heat transfer is required, some of these includes microelectronics,
pharmaceutical processes, vehicle engine cooling and domestic/industrial thermal management systems.
They exhibit enhanced thermal conductivity and excellent convective heat transfer coefficient compared
to the base fluid. Rheological behavior of Nanofluids has been found to be very critical when deciding
their suitability for convective heat transfer applications.
Pre Activity Student Assignment
Students will use the internet to research recent developments in nano-science and nano-technology, and
do a power point presentation.
Guide line for power point:
INTERNET RESEARCH PROJECT
NANO- SCIENCE AND NANO – TECHNOLOGY
Pick a Research partner prepare a 5 minutes power point and poster board presentation.
Points to address in presentation
 What is Nano-science and Nano Technology?
 What are Nano-fluids and why are they better than regular fluids?
 Explain some uses of Nanofluids
 Explain some uses of Nano-technology
 Discuss some recent advancement in Nano-science and Nano-technology
 Discuss how science and engineering are collaborating to advance Nano- technology
(Be Creative in your presentation, you can add more discussion points also pictures and animations are allowed)
Associated Activities
“Cool with Nanofluids” Lab Activity
Introduction:
Answer the following questions in paragraph format for your introduction to your lab report for this
experiment.
1. Explain how mixtures are made and how mixtures differ from elements and compounds in
relation to their physical and chemical properties?
2. Distinguish between the terms thermal conductivity and convective heat transfer of a material.
3. Explain the concept of Nanofluids and give some examples.
Objective:
In this experiment, you will;
i.
Prepare Al2O3 Nanofluids using H2O as the base fluid.
ii. Prepare “macro fluid” mixture of Al2O3 macro particles in H2O base fluid.
iii. Compare and contrast both fluids in terms of particle agglomeration, thermal conductivity and
heat transfer property (overall heat transfer coefficient) with that of base fluid H2O.
EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS:
o One 400 mL Beakers,
o Two large Styrofoam cups (calorimeter)
o Goggles,
o Three 100 mL Graduated Cylinders,
o 1 Hot Plate,
o 4 Temperature Probes,
o Al2O3 Nano particles Aqueous dispersion,
Alpha, 20wt%, 30nm, Al2O3 Macro particles,
distilled water
o 3 Large Pyrex test tubes
o 1 Chemical balance
o 2 weighing dishes
PROCEDURE:
1. Label three test tubes, each for Al2O3 Nano particles, Al2O3 Macro particles and distilled water.
2. Prepare Al2O3 Nanofluids and Al2O3 Macro particles mixture by measuring out 2.00g of Al2O3 Nano
particle and Al2O3 Macro particles each in different weighing dish and transfer it into the test.
3. Measure 50ml distilled water into each test tube, cork test tube and shack vigorously until a
colloidal mixture is formed, remove cork.
4. Determine and record the mass of each fluid in each test-tube.
5. Hook the temperature probe jack to channel one (CH1) of the C.B.L, hit the ON button to turn the
CBL on, and mode button to read degree Celsius. Place each temperature probe in each test-tube
and record the initial temperature T1n (Al2O3 Nanofluids), T1m(Al2O3 Macro particle) and T1w
(distilled water)
6. Measure 250ml of hot water into the Styrofoam cup and place the three test-tubes as shown in
Figure 1, below.
7. Observe and record the temperature changes in each test-tube and the hot water in the cup every
2 minutes, for 20 minutes.
Temperature probes
Test –tubes with test mixture samples
Figure 2 Experiment set up
Calorimeter with hot water
OBSERVATION AND DATA TABLE
1. Initial temperature (Al2O3 Nanofluids) T1n ______________________
2. (Al2O3 Macro particle) T1m____________________________
3. Distilled water T1w ___________________________________
4. Hot water in Calorimeter ___________________________
Time(minutes )
Al2O3Nano particles
(Temp. change oC )
Al2O3 Macro particles
(Temp. change oC )
Base Fluid (Distilled water)
(Temp. change oC)
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Data Analysis Questions
1. What types of mixtures are the Al2O3 Nano particles, Al2O3 Macro particles, distilled water?
Explain.
2. Use the collected data to Plot a line graph of temperature on the y-axis and time on the x-axis for
all three test-tubes.
3. Calculate the density each fluid Hint: D=M/V;
4. Determine the temperature change ∆T of each fluid in test-tube and the water in the calorimeter
after 20 minutes by subtracting final temperature from initial temperature (Tf- Ti).
5. Using your graph, Explain what a rapid temperature change indicates about the thermal
conductivity and heat transfer capacity of the mixtures you investigated?
6. You are an electrical power engineer saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the solar
power plant runs at optimal efficiency. One of the major problems you observe is that the efficacy
of the photovoltaic cells drops when the panels heat up. Explain how will use your knowledge of
mixtures to solve this problem.
Lesson Closure:
At the end of this activity, there will be a class discussion session moderated by the teacher. Students will
discuss their results. Any discrepancies in data or possible errors must be identified. Applicable questions
discussion questions:
a) What did the data show?
b) Why do you think this happened?
c) Teacher will guide students to make connection between smaller particles and larger surface area.
d) Did either particle settle?
e) Is there an advantage to particles remaining suspended in the fluid as opposed to settling?
Assessment:
Pre-Lesson Assessment
Students will answer the following questions in their lab notebooks as introduction to the report for this
lesson:
Answer the following questions in paragraph format for your introduction to your lab report for this
experiment.
1. Explain how mixtures are made and how mixtures differ from elements and compounds in
relation to their physical and chemical properties?
2. Distinguish between the terms thermal conductivity and convective heat transfer of a material.
3. Explain the concept of Nanofluids and give some exam
Post-Introduction Assessment
Students will answer the following questions in their lab notebooks as data analysis and conclusion to the
report for this lesson:
1. What types of mixtures are the Al2O3 Nano particles, Al2O3 Macro particles, distilled water? Explain.
2. Use the collected data to Plot a line graph of temperature on the y-axis and time on the x-axis for all
three test-tubes.
3. Calculate the density each fluid Hint: D=M/V;
4. Determine the temperature change ∆T of each fluid in test-tube and the water in the calorimeter after
20 minutes by subtracting final temperature from initial temperature (Tf- Ti).
5. Using your graph, Explain what a rapid temperature change indicates about the thermal conductivity
and heat transfer capacity of the mixtures you investigated?
6. You are an electrical power engineer saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the solar power
plant runs at optimal efficiency. One of the major problems you observe is that the efficacy of the
photovoltaic cells drops when the panels heat up. Explain how will use your knowledge of mixtures to
solve this problem
Lesson Summary Assessment:
Lab report, teacher observation of participation in group/class discussion, homework
Homework:
Students will carry out research to learn the Current advances been made in the flied of Nano-science and
Nano-technology what significant impact they are making in fields of medicine, pharmacy, biomedical
applications (biosensors), consumer products (electronic devices) and industrial applications (solar
energy).
Lesson Extension Activities:
 Field trip to FIU College of Engineering solar House and Nanofabrication lab.
 Long term Project. Construction of mini Photovoltaic/Thermal system on school grounds to
investigate the use of Nanofluid as coolant fluid for the solar panel.
 Guest Speaker: Dr. Cheng-Xian (Charlie) Lin, Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical
and Material Engineering at FIU
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Additional Multimedia Support:
Computational fluid Dynamics simulation program Comsol
Gizmo: Energy Conversions (www.explorelearning.com)
Brain Pop: Solar Energy; Nanotechnology (www.brainpop.com)
Contributors/Supporting Program/Acknowledgements:
FIU RET Program
FIU Mechanical and Material Engineering Department
Teach Engineering K-12 (Nano-Tech: Insights into a Nano-Sized World)
References
Numerical Simulation of Water/Al2O3 NanofluidTurbulent Convection (Vincenzo Bianco, OronzioManca, and Sergio
Nardini)
Thermal conductivity of nanofluids – Experimental and Theoretical
(M. J. Assael1, I. N. Metaxa, K. Kakosimos, D. Konstadinou - Chemical Engineering Department, Aristotle University, 54124
Thessaloniki, Greece)
Thermal properties and rheological behavior of water based Al 2O3 nanofluid as a heat transfer fluid
(M. Ghanbarpour , E. Bitaraf Haghigi, R. Khodabandeh - Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Department of Energy
Technology, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden)
Thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity measurements of Al2O3 nanofluids
(Benigno Barbe´s • Ricardo Pa´ramo • Eduardo Blanco • Marı´a Jose´ Pastoriza-Gallego • Manuel M. Pin˜ eiro •
Jose´ Luis Legido • Carlos Casanova Received: 16 March 2012 / Accepted: 4 June 2012 / Published online: 3 July 2012
_ Akade´miai Kiado´, Budapest, Hungary 2012)
Redirect URL
http://www.elsevier.com/online-tools/sciencedirect
http://nano.anl.gov/news/highlights/2005_choi.html
http://www.electronics-cooling.com/2009/02/cooling-electronics-with-nanofluids-laminar-convective-heattransfer/
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ame/2010/976254/ref/
http://nanomaterialstore.com/colloid.php
http://www.heat-transfer-fluid.com/abouthtf/understanding.php
http://accuratus.com/alumox.html
http://cool-x.com/Science/nanofluids-improved-heat-transfer-and-thermal-conductivity/
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnm/2012/435873/
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