Experimental analysis of thermal–hydraulic performance of copper–water nanofluid flow in different plate-fin channels

• Published in: Experimental thermal and fluid science Vol. 52; pp. 248 - 258
• Main Authors: Khoshvaght-Aliabadi, M., Hormozi, F., Zamzamian, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Inc 01.01.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Channels; Comparative analysis; Correlation analysis; Devices using thermal energy; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Fluid dynamics; FLUID FLOW; FLUIDITY; Fluids; GENERATORS; Heat exchangers (included heat transformers, condensers, cooling towers); HEAT TRANSFER; MICROSTRUCTURES; Nanofluid; Nanofluids; Nanostructure; PLATE; Plate-Fin; Plate-fin channel; Plate-fin heat exchanger; Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering; Vortex generator; Vortex generators; WATER; Vortex generator; Plate-fin heat exchanger; Plate-fin channel; Comparative analysis; Nanofluid; Water; Nanoparticle; Perforation; Geometrical configuration; Experimental study; Finned surface; Heat exchanger; Thermohydraulics; Offset strip fins; Copper; Heat transfer
• ISSN: 0894-1777; 1879-2286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2013.09.018

[Display omitted] •Effect of channel shape on performance of plate-fin heat exchangers was studied.•Copper–water nanofluids were produced by using a one-step technique.•Effects of prepared nanofluids flow were investigated on channels performance.•Correlations were proposed for all the studied channels. An experimental assessment of the copper–water nanofluid flow through different plate-fin channels is the main purpose of this study. Seven plate-fin channels, including plain, perforated, offset strip, louvered, wavy, vortex generator, and pin, were fabricated and tested. The copper–water nanofluids were produced by a one-step method, namely electro-exploded wire technique, with five nanoparticles weight fractions (i.e., 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%). The required properties of the nanofluids were systematically measured, and empirical correlations were proposed. To obtain accurate results, a highly precise test loop with the ability to produce a constant wall temperature was designed and fabricated. The results depicted that both the convective heat transfer coefficient and the pressure drop values of all the channels enhance with increasing the nanoparticles weight fraction. The appropriate thermal–hydraulic performance and maximum reduction of surface area were found for the vortex generator channel. Finally, correlations were proposed to predict the Nusselt number and Fanning friction factor of the base fluid and nanofluids flows in the studied plate-fin channels.