Abstract
In this work, graphene platelets were introduced into wax in an automotive electronic controlled thermostat for the purpose of enhancing its thermal-conductive property and improving response performance. Graphene content ranging from 10 % to 20% was added into and mixed with the wax to investigate the effect of graphene amounts on the performance of an automotive electronic controlled thermostat in terms of response time, hysteresis and melting temperature. The experimental results revealed that graphene in wax contributed to a reduction in the response time and hysteresis of an automotive electronic controlled thermostat. As a consequence, important improvement in thermal sensitivity, full lift, melting temperature and hysteresis were obtained. The thermal response of wax with graphene content of 20 % was improved by 25 %, as compared to that of wax with Cu content of 20 %. Hysteresis of wax with graphene was reduced by $0.6^{\circ}C$ as compared to that of wax with Cu content. The melting temperature of wax is lowered and hysteresis is also improved with increased graphene content of wax in an electronic controlled thermostat. We hope that this study can help further the transition of nano-fluid technology from small-scale research laboratories to industrial application in the automotive sector.
