Argonne researchers are working with two industrial partners to create nanofluids that improve the cooling of power electronics in hybrid electric vehicles.

These new coolants can lessen the need for heat exchangers, which could result in smaller cooling systems and lighter vehicles.

“Fluids containing nanoparticles have a proven ability to increase thermal conductivity and heat transfer and hence reduce the size, weight, and number of heat exchangers for cooling power electronics,” says Argonne researcher Jules Routbort.

Using silicon carbide nanoparticles from partner Saint Gobain, Routbort and his colleagues have created an ethylene glycol and water nanofluid that carries heat away 15 percent more effectively than conventional fluids. And working with industrial partner Valvoline, they’ve developed a graphite-based nanofluid that has an enhanced thermal conductivity 50 percent greater than the base fluid, which would, under specific conditions, eliminate the need for a second heat exchanger for cooling power electronics.

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