Thermal performance of Al2O3/water nanofluid in a natural circulation loop with a mini-channel heat sink and heat source

C. J. Ho, Y. N. Chung, Chi Ming Lai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

77 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this study, the heat transfer characteristics of Al2O 3-water nanofluid were investigated experimentally in a rectangular natural circulation loop of 402 mm in height and 205 mm in width. The 120-mm-long heated section and 155-mm-long cooling section in the loop were constructed with mini-channel heat exchangers. The nanometer-sized particles of alumina (Al2O3) were dispersed in pure water (the base fluid) to form the alumina-water nanofluid with mass fractions in the range of 0.1-1 wt.%. The results clearly indicate that Al2O3-water nanofluid can markedly enhance the heat-transfer performance of the natural circulation loop considered. The average heat-transfer effectiveness at the heating and cooling sections were approximately 3.5-22% and 9.5-62% respectively.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)848-858
Number of pages11
JournalEnergy Conversion and Management
Volume87
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014 Aug 19

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
  • Fuel Technology
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Thermal performance of Al2O3/water nanofluid in a natural circulation loop with a mini-channel heat sink and heat source'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this