Enhancing Heat Transfer Efficiency in a Heat Exchanger Using Green-Synthesized Copper Oxide Nanofluids Based on Ethylene Glycol–Water Mixture: Enhancing Heat Transfer Efficiency in a Heat Exchanger

Midya Sabah Rahman; Badiea Abdullah Mohammed; Hewa Hussein Omar

doi:10.63841/iue3261054

Authors

Midya Sabah Rahman Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Soran University, Kurdistan Region, IRAQ Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7862-5034
Badiea Abdullah Mohammed Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Soran University, Kurdistan Region, IRAQ Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0482-8902
Hewa Hussein Omar Department of Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Soran University, Kurdistan Region, IRAQ Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4574-0339

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63841/iue3261054

Keywords:

Green synthesis, CuO nanoparticles, Heat exchanger, Convective heat transfer, Thermal conductivity.

Abstract

The efficiency of industrial heat exchangers is limited by the heat transfer coefficient when using traditional fluids. This study introduces a novel sustainable approach for synthesizing copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), utilizing an eco-friendly route with Populus Euphratica leaf extract, a method has never reported before. This work represents the first reported application of green-synthesized CuO nanoparticles in a heat exchanger, marking a novel contribution to sustainable thermal management. The synthesis was optimized at pH of 7, 9, and 11. FTIR, XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and SEM analyses were employed to characterize the CuO NPs to confirm their chemical composition, crystallinity, and morphology. The optimized CuO NPs were dispersed into a different ratio of the base fluid of EG-W at different concentration of CuO NPs ranging from 0.02 % to 0.1 % for enhancing thermal performance. The findings showed that, relative to the base fluid, the overall heat transfer coefficient improved by 40% while the convective heat transfer coefficient in terms of nanofluid increased by about 36 %. The rise in convective heat transfer is attributed not only to the static presence of the nanoparticles but also to Brownian motion and the formation of a liquid nanolayer around the particles. A consistent rise in thermal conductivity as well as the Nusselt number is consistently observed with increasing nanoparticle concentration. These findings confirm the thermal performance benefits of green-synthesized CuO nanofluids and support their potential for industrial heat exchanger applications. Conclusively, the study highlights the viability of green nanotechnology as an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional synthesis for energy-efficient thermal management systems.

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Author Biographies

Midya Sabah Rahman, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Soran University, Kurdistan Region, IRAQ

Midya Sabah Rahman is an M.Sc. student in Chemical Engineering at Soran University. She earned her B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Koya University. Her research focuses on nanofluids and heat transfer and sustainable energy applications.
Badiea Abdullah Mohammed, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Soran University, Kurdistan Region, IRAQ

Badiea A. M. is an Assistant Prof. at the Department of chemical enginnering, Faculty of engineering, soran University. He got the B.Sc. degree in chemical engineering, the M.Sc. degree in chemical engineering from Basrah University and the Ph.D. degree in in corrosion engineering from Mysore university. His research interests are in Nanofluid, Heat Transfer, Sustainable Energy, Corrosion Science and Engineering and Waste Recycling. Dr badiea published 20 papers.
Hewa Hussein Omar, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Soran University, Kurdistan Region, IRAQ

Hewa H. Omar is a Lecturer at the Petroleum Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Soran University. He got the B.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering, the M.Sc. degree in Aerial vehicle engine and the Ph.D. degree in Thermal, Electrojet Engines and Aircrafts Power Plants. His research interests are in Thermal, Gas Turbine Engine, Applied Thermodynamics and Energy Engineering. Dr. Hewa is a member of Engineering Society in Kurdistan Region, attended 4 international conferences, and published 17 papers.

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Enhancing Heat Transfer Efficiency in a Heat Exchanger Using Green-Synthesized Copper Oxide Nanofluids Based on Ethylene Glycol–Water Mixture