Enhancement of heat transfer using nano fluids in a mini-radiator

Abstract

Nano fluids play a vital role in many industrial applications. Researchers are working on fabrication of nanofluids worldwide to enhance the applicability of these materials. Since a lot of research is going in the field of nanofluids. We can ensure that the nanofluids are the fluids of the future. Nanofluids have a wide range of applications in electronics cooling, building cooling, and chemical industries, among others. Also due to the advancements in the field of the nanofluids, various types of hybrids nanofluids are coming into the market. In comparison to graphene oxide particles, metals and metallic oxide nanoparticles have been widely explored for heat transfer applications. In this study, the impact of introducing graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles and super graphene (SG) nanoparticles to a normal hot water (hybrid nanofluids) - on the performance of a mini radiator is investigated. The influence of heated fluid discharge, air speed, and nanoparticle volume concentration on performance metrics such as Nusselt number (Nu), pressure drop, and friction factor (ff) is investigated in depth. At 0.4 vol% of hybrid nanofluids (HN), the Nusselt number increases to a maximum of 5.62 times. The results show a considerable improvement in the mini radiator’s performance, both in terms of efficacy and pressure drop. At a volume concentration of 0.4 vol% GO, the study found a maximum improvement in efficacy and reduction in pressure drop. Functionalized graphene has a lot of potential for improving the performance of mini radiator and/or reducing their size.