Effect-of-Al₂O₃-Nanoparticles-Addition

PROJECT TITLE

Effect of Al₂O₃ Nanoparticles Addition on the Thermal Characteristics of Paraffin Wax

1. Research Summary (Abstract):

This research investigates how the addition of Alumina (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles affects the thermal properties of paraffin wax for thermal energy storage. Nanofluids were prepared with 1% and 3% volume fractions of nanoparticles and tested for thermal conductivity, latent heat, and melting temperature. Results show a nonlinear increase in thermal conductivity with increasing nanoparticle content, but a reduction in latent heat. The optimal composition was 1% VF, providing improved thermal conductivity with a manageable loss in latent heat.

2. Background and Motivation:

Context: Phase change materials (PCMs) are effective in thermal energy storage systems due to their high latent heat capacity; however, they suffer from low thermal conductivity, which limits their performance.

Knowledge gap/need:

​ There is limited data on paraffin-based nanofluids and the influence of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles on their thermal properties, particularly in terms of conductivity enhancement and stability over multiple cycles.

3. Objectives:

  • 1. To examine how varying concentrations of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles affect the thermal conductivity of paraffin wax.
  • 2. To analyze changes in melting temperature and latent heat with nanoparticle addition.
  • 3. To test the thermal stability of the optimized nanofluid under multiple melting–solidification cycles.
  • 4. Methods and Approach:

Approach: Experimental study using paraffin wax modified with Al₂O₃ nanoparticles at 1% and 3% .

Key techniques:

  • – X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for nanoparticle characterization
  • – Two-step method and ultrasonication for nanofluid preparation
  • – Modified Transient Plane Source (MTPS) method for thermal conductivity testing
  • – Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) for latent heat and melting point
  • – Repeated thermal cycling for stability testing

5. Key Findings:

  • 1. Thermal conductivity increased nonlinearly with nanoparticle concentration and temperature.
  • 2. Latent heat and melting point decreased with higher nanoparticle loading.
  • 3. Nanofluids were stable up to 10 cycles; degradation in conductivity was observed after 45 cycles.

6. Outcomes and Impact Highlights:

​Academic: Demonstrates the effect of nanoparticle addition on PCM performance and validates thermal models.

Societal / Economic: Enhances the feasibility of using PCMs in renewable energy systems and energy-efficient buildings.

Policy / Practice: Supports innovation in thermal energy storage materials, improving system performance in CSP and HVAC applications.

7. Evidence of Impact:

  • – Enhancement in thermal conductivity by 11% at 1% VF (compared to base paraffin)
  • – Latent heat reduction was minimal at optimal loading, preserving storage capacity
  • – Results benchmarked against existing models (e.g., Maxwell, Hamilton-Crosser)

8. Funding and Support:

This research was conducted at Hamburg University of Technology, Germany.

Supported by the Institutes of Thermal Separation Processes (TVT) and Environmental Technology and Energy Economics (IUE).  No specific grants from public or private funding agencies were received.

9. Supporting Materials / URLs:

– Journal: International Journal of Thermofluids, Volume 22, 2024, Article 100623

– DOI: 10.1016/j.ijft.2024.100623​

10. Academic Profile:

Name: Dr. Mohammad Hamdan

Affiliation: Applied Science Private University (ASU), Renewable Energy Technology Department

ASU Profile URL: https://www.asu.edu.jo/en/academics/Pages/Mohammad-Hamdan.aspx (Assumed format – please verify)

11. Project Partners (if any):

  • Hamburg University of Technology – Germany
  •  https://www.tuhh.de​
  • Institute of Thermal Separation Processes (TVT), TUHH
  • Institute of Environmental Technology and Energy Economics (IUE), TUHH