Numerical Study of a Crossflow Heat Exchanger to Investigate Thermal Performance Using Nanofluids

摘要

In this study, conjugate heat transfer between solids and fluids has been analyzed for a cross flow rectangular shaped microchannel heat exchanger. Three different nanofluids have been used such as CuO-water, Al_2O_3-water and Al_2O_3-ethylene glycol to investigate the effect of changing nanoparticles volume fraction as well as, effect of changing the base fluid at constant temperature. Volume fraction has been varied from 0.5% to 4%. These nanofluids have been widely used in compact heat exchangers, micro reactors, automotive radiators etc. for their exhibition of larger thermos-physical properties than conventional fluids due to presence of nanosized particles in them which enhance heat transfer. It has been observed that changing the base fluid has had a much significant effect than changing the nanoparticle. Heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop and pumping power requirement have been investigated in terms of varying nanoparticles volume fraction and Reynolds number. In addition, different characteristics such as isotherms, channel wall temperature have been graphically shown.