Exploring Nanofluids for Advanced Geothermal Systems
Nour Fadhloun and Nermine Bougatef, two Chemical Engineering master’s students from the National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (INSAT) joined EAPOSYS for a five-month applied research project.
Their study, “Enhancing Closed-Loop Advanced Geothermal Systems with Nanofluids – A Thermal and Environmental Assessment,” explored the potential of nanofluids to improve the performance of closed-loop Advanced Geothermal Systems (AGS).
From Thermal Performance to Environmental Impact
As part of the project, Nour and Nermine modeled the thermal properties of selected water-based nanofluids (CuO, ZnO, Al₂O₃, SiO₂, and SiO₂/Al₂O₃) using MATLAB. They also developed a COMSOL simulation of a generic AGS loop to investigate thermosiphon behavior and establish a baseline.
To complement the thermal analysis, they completed a preliminary Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the first-order environmental cost centers associated with nanofluids. The work provided an integrated first assessment of both their thermal potential and environmental implications in closed-loop geothermal applications.
EAPOSYS sincerely thanks Nour and Nermine for their dedication and high-quality research, and INSAT for supporting this valuable academic collaboration.
