Thermal Hydraulic Performance of SiC Water and Al2O3 Water Nanofluids in the Minichannel

Abstract

The singlephase flow and heat transfer behaviors of SiC and Al2O3 nanoparticles dispersed in water were studied experimentally in a multiport minichannel flat tube (MMFT). The volume concentrations of the two nanofluids ranged from 0.001% to 1%. Their effective particle sizes, thermal conductivities, and viscosities were also measured. Results indicated that these nanofluids as a working fluid could enhance heat transfer but increase pressure drop and the Nusselt number by up to 85%. The two nanofluids exhibited a common optimal volume concentration of 0.01% for heat transfer. Effective particle size was also found to have a significant effect on heat transfer.