In this paper, we used the multi-relaxation time lattice Boltzmann method to investigate natural convection in a triangular-shaped cavity filled with a tri-hybrid nanofluid. The cavity is partially heated by a chip of fixed size (l=L/2), the position of which varies on the left and bottom walls in order to find the optimal positions. The inclined side is maintained at a cool temperature, while the other parts are adiabatic. A detailed analysis is carried out on the impact of four essential parameters on the optimization of heat transfer: the Rayleigh number, ranging between Ra = 103 and Ra = 106; the partial heating position, showing the cavity in six different configurations; the fluid type, including pure water, nanofluid, hybrid nanofluid, and tri-hybrid nanofluid; and finally, the volume concentration of the nanoparticles for three values, ϕ = 0%, 3%, and 6%. Results are presented in the form of isotherms, streamlines, temperature and velocity profiles, and the mean Nusselt number values. As the results show, the position of the partial heater plays a crucial role, influencing natural convection heat transfer significantly in certain positions at all values of the Rayleigh number. The type of fluid has a remarkable impact on the amplification of natural convection at large values of the Rayleigh number, where the buoyancy force becomes strong. Notably, the use of tri-hybrid nanofluid shows a clear improvement in natural convection heat transfer. Furthermore, a substantial increase in thermal transmittance is observed with an increasing nanoparticle volume fraction. The validation results agree well with both numerical results and experimental data published in the literature.
Read full abstract