Investigation of forced convection of a novel hybrid nanofluid containing NEPCM in a square microchannel: Application of single-phase and Eulerian-Eulerian two-phase models

Abstract

In the present study, laminar forced convection flow and heat transfer of novel hybrid nanofluid of Al 2 O 3 -n-octadecane/water through a horizontal microchannel under a constant wall heat flux condition are investigated. N-octadecane is regarded as a nano-encapsulated phase change material (NEPCM). Simulations are performed utilizing single-phase and Eulerian-Eulerian two-phase models. Governing equations are discretized by finite volume method and then solved using SIMPLE algorithm. Effects of nanoparticles volume fraction ( φ ), Reynolds number ( Re ), and melting range ( T mr ) on thermal and hydrodynamic parameters of hybrid nanofluid are evaluated. It is shown that predictions by Eulerian-Eulerian approach are more accurate than those by single-phase approach when compared to available experimental data. Addition of Al 2 O 3 and n-octadecane nanoparticles to water-based fluid leads to a reduction in fluid and wall temperatures, which is intensified at higher φ and Re . Also, these nanoparticles do not have a significant effect on hydrodynamic development of flow, while they delay its thermal development. NEPCM with a higher T mr only slightly improves thermal performance of hybrid nanofluid, which is more noticeable in single-phase procedure. Total efficiency of hybrid nanofluid ( η hnf ) is amplified by raising φ for both approaches. This augmentation is more evident in Eulerian-Eulerian model due to better thermal and hydrodynamic performances. Maximum increases in η hnf concerning single-phase and Eulerian-Eulerian models are 27% and 60%, respectively, occurring at φ Al 2 O 3 = 1 % and φ n ‐ octadecane = 10 % . Therefore, this type of hybrid nanofluids, because of its enhanced thermo-physical properties, can be considered as a suitable candidate for thermal energy storage, heat transfer, and renewable energy applications.