Efficiency and effectiveness enhancement of an intercooler of two-stage air compressor by low-cost Al2O3/water nanofluids

Abstract

The present study was aimed to utilize low-cost alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles for improving the heat transfer behavior in an intercooler of two-stage air compressor. Experimental investigation was carried out with three different volume concentrations of 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0% Al2O3/water nanofluids to assess the performance of the intercooler, that is, counterflow heat exchanger at different loads. Thermal properties such as thermal conductivity and overall heat transfer coefficient of nanofluid increased substantially with increasing concentration of Al2O3 nanoparticles. Specific heat capacity of nanofluids were lower than base water. The intercooler performance parameters such as effectiveness and efficiency improved appreciably with the employment of nanofluid. The efficiency increased by about 6.1% with maximum concentration of nanofluid, that is, 1% at 3-bar compressor load. It is concluded from the study that high concentration of Al2O3 nanoparticles dispersion in water would offer better heat transfer performance of the intercooler.