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Green Building Bible, Fourth Edition
Green Building Bible, fourth edition (both books)
These two books are the perfect starting place to help you get to grips with one of the most vitally important aspects of our society - our homes and living environment.

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Renewable Energy: Solar thermal - Graphene thermal fluid.

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    Some time ago Bot posted a thread "Heads up on new battery technology" which showed the work being done by Robert Murray-Smith to develop graphene supercapacitors.

    http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14157

    Having looked at some of Murray-Smith's other videos I found another on the subject of thermal fluids that may be very interesting to some on here.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycICsb-lOa8

    He has added some graphene to water and says the only other thing that is added is some surfactant to keep the graphene in suspension (but doesn't specify exactly what). The result is a fluid with greatly enhanced thermal transfer properties compared to water.

    This could be of particular benefit in the winter and shoulder months to get the most out of ST during short breaks in the cloud cover.

    As far as I can see the graphene for use in this fluid is easily made by exfoliating sub 350 micron graphite in de-ionised water with Fairy liquid! The process is described in this video..

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Irg3kbnTN4o&index=14&list=PLbQqm4rNo6243e69xp-ZPUkYDb38oS4xU

    What do people think?

    Anyone up for some experimentation?
    • CommentAuthortony
    • CommentTimeJun 11th 2016
     
    I can't see it making any difference
    • CommentAuthorEd Davies
    • CommentTimeJun 11th 2016
     
    I'd agree with Tony. Given the small cross section of the manifolds and the likely turbulent flow of the fluid in them I'd think the (lack of) thermal conductivity of the water is a small part of restriction on the rate of heat transfer out of the panels. It might mean the heat exchanger into the hot water tank can be a bit smaller but that's hardly an exciting breakthrough.
    •  
      CommentAuthorSteamyTea
    • CommentTimeJun 11th 2016
     
    I agree. We looked at this a few years ago at University. Much easier to reduce the volume if water that passes though the pipes to get a faster response time.
    Of just fit PV, that reacts pretty quick to changes.
  5.  
    Simples
    Anything graphene based is the new infallible snake-oil.
    Almost certainly graphene bearing would facilitate a modern prepetural-motion machine, must get a patent lodged, quick!
    • CommentAuthorEd Davies
    • CommentTimeJun 12th 2016
     
    Posted By: SteamyTeaOf just fit PV, that reacts pretty quick to changes.
    Excellent point, another argument for use of PV instead of solar thermal where sufficient area is available.

    Posted By: orangemannotAnything graphene based is the new infallible snake-oil.
    Sadly, yes, it does seem to be that way.

    I did start watching one of Murray-Smith's supercapacitor videos but it seemed so muddled and non-specific that I assumed it was just BS and didn't bother with anything more. I hope there's something useful in it all but I suspect some people are going to lose a bit of money investing in him while somebody else does it properly. I predict patent disputes in about 5 year's time.

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