Transport phenomena in MHD mixed convective nanofluid flow

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the unsteady magnetohydrodynamic mixed convective nanofluid flow by using Buongiorno two-phase model to achieve an appropriate mechanism to improve the efficiency of solar energy systems by mitigating the energy losses. Design/methodology/approach The transport phenomena occurring in this physical problem are modelled using nonlinear partial differential equations and are non-dimensionalised by using non-similar transformations. The quasilinearisation technique is used to solve the resulting system with the help of a finite difference scheme. Findings The study reveals that the effect of the applied transverse magnetic parameter is to increase the temperature profile and to reduce the wall heat transfer rate. The Brownian diffusion and thermophoresis parameters that characterise the nanofluids contribute to the reduction in wall heat transfer rate. The presence of nanoparticles in the fluid gives rise to critical values for the thermophoresis parameter describing the behaviour of the wall heat and mass transfer rates. Wall heating and cooling are analysed by considering the percentage increase or percentage decrease in the heat and mass transfer rates in the presence of nanoparticles in the fluid. Research limitations/implications The investigation on wall cooling/heating leads to the analysis of control parameters applicable to the industrial design of thermal systems for energy storage, energy harvesting and cooling applications. Practical implications The analysis of the control parameters is of practical value to the solar industry. Social implications In countries, such as South Africa, daily power cuts are a reality. Any research into improving the quality of energy obtained from alternate sources is a national necessity. Originality/value From the literature survey in the present study, it is found that no similar work has been reported in the open literature that analyses the time-dependent mixed convection flow along the exponentially stretching surface in the presence of the effects of a magnetic field, nanoparticles and non-similar solutions.