Guwahati: Researchers from theIndian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) led by Prof. Tamal Banerjee, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, have successfully produced a novel heat transfer fluid based on nanofluids, which is capable of efficiently transferring heat generated using solar power to desalination systems. This advancement promises a practical solution for producing potable water from seawater, addressing the pressing issue of global water scarcity.
The new heat transfer fluid is also non-toxic, biodegradable, and has a low vapor pressure. This makes it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option than traditional heat transfer fluids, such as synthetic oils and molten salts.
The development of this new heat transfer fluid is a significant step forward in the field of solar-powered desalination. It has the potential to make solar-powered desalination systems more efficient and cost-effective, which could lead to their wider adoption in arid and semi-arid regions.