Effects of using BN/water nanofluid on the thermal performance, energy saving, and power consumption of a panel radiator heating system

Heating systems account for a significant portion of global energy consumption, yet conventional fluids like water limit the thermal efficiency of panel radiators. Improving radiator performance while reducing energy use is critical for achieving sustainability goals. This study addresses this challenge by investigating boron nitride (BN)-doped water nanofluid as an advanced heat transfer fluid, which promises enhanced thermal performance and energy savings compared to water. A Type 11 Panel-Convector (PC) radiator was tested experimentally under transient regime conditions with both water and nanofluid. The amount of heat emitted from the radiator to the room and the air-side heat transfer coefficient were determined for both fluids at a radiator inlet temperature of 75 o C. Additionally, energy consumptions during the experiments for both fluids are compared. The results indicate that the desired room temperature was reached in 17 minutes using nanofluid, while it took 27 minutes with water. The air-side heat transfer coefficient increased by an average of 71%, while the heat emission rate improved by up to 45% compared to water. The use of BN-water nanofluid results in an 8.1% overall energy savings in the heating system. The BN-water nanofluid significiantly improves radiator performance and overall system energy efficiency.