Nanolubricants Research Project The U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE) is currently conducting research into nanolubricants. This
enabling technology has the potential for improving the
efficiency of chillers that cool large buildings, in a cost-
neutral manner. This project seeks to develop a fundamental
understanding of how nanolubricants, a lubricant with dispersed
nano-size particles, can enhance refrigerant and lubricant pool
boiling. A previous National Institute for Standards and
Technology study has shown that copper oxide nanoparticles can
provide up to 275% improvement in the boiling heat flux as
compared to boiling without nanoparticles. Boiling heat transfer
measurements will be conducted with nanoparticles of various
sizes, shapes, and materials. Research is being undertaken
between the Department of Energy and the National Institute for
Standards and Technology. The goal of this project is to assess
the potential for improving chiller evaporator boiling heat
transfer by using nanolubricants. Benefit