ANSYS Simulation of Enhanced Heat Transfer in Compact Pipes Using Al2O3-Water Nanofluids

Abstract

Al2O3-Water nanofluids have become popular for their significantly higher heat transfer rates, which are related to their increased thermal conductivity. These fluids are particularly useful in tiny pipelines, especially in situations where effective thermal control is required. Because of this, they are particularly beneficial to sectors like aerospace and automotive, where the need for lightweight and compact heat exchanger designs is crucial. This research investigates several input factors, such as temperature and velocity, using ANSYS Fluent. The investigation's initial temperature was 290 K, and the pipe's entry velocity was 3.78×10-1 m/s. At 2.98×102 K, the exit temperature stabilized. However, a clear inverse link between the temperature at the pipe's output side and the velocity at its entrance side was found. This unique development served as the main focus of our investigation on how to optimize heat flow and thermal conductivity inside the pipe. We used a two-phase approach, incorporating the nanofluid phases phi-0 and phi-4, to increase our comprehension. This methodological decision departs from traditional research, which frequently uses simulations in a single phase. Our new method was inspired by the necessity for a more thorough investigation. The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of the two-phase method, showing a significant rise in heat flow and thermal conductivity when compared to traditional one-phase simulations used in earlier research. This emphasizes how our approach was original and significant, bringing fresh perspectives to the field of nanofluid heat transfer research.