CONSEQUENCE OF NANOPARTICLE PHYSIOGNOMIES ON HEAT TRANSFER

CHARACTERISTICS OF HEAT EXCHANGER.

Senthil Ramalingam1*, Ratchagaraja Dhairiyasamy2, Silambarasan Rajendran3, Chandan Kumar4,

Manikandan Radhakrishna5,
*1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College of Engineering, Villupuram, Villupuram,
TN, India-605103

Abstract,

In this paper the heat transfer coefficient and the heat transfer rate of a radiator is scrutinized by
using niobium pent oxide nanofluid. The silicon carbide nanoparticles, milled and sonificated as nanofluids of
volume fractions 0.01499(%) and 0.01399(%).The heat transfer characteristics of SiC(P)/water, SiC(M)/water,
SiC(P)/EG, SiC(M)/EG are measured in a concentric tube heat exchanger under laminar flow condition. The
consequence of nanoparticle physiognomies, Reynolds number, on the heat transfer characteristic is scrutinized.
It has been found that the addition of milled nanoparticle in the base fluids enhances the heat transfer
characteristics rather than the normal nanoparticle. The experimental results shows that the heat transfer
characteristics of SiC(M) is higher than that of SiC(P) in both the case of water and EG. This is because of the
structural changes of SiC-M by the deformation caused by the ball milling

Keywords: Nanofluids, SiC/DIW, SiC/EG, Stability, heat transfer coefficient, thermal conductivity, Reynolds
Number, Nusselt number.

1. Introduction

Nanomaterials possess unique, favorable chemical, physics and mechanical properties, and can be
used for a variety of applications. Among those, SiC (nonmetallic solids) having higher thermal conductivity
(270 W/ (m K) can be used in heat transfer applications. Ethylene glycol is commonly used in the systems that
must cool below the freezing temperature of water.

Nowadays researchers focusing on nanofluids for a wide range of heat transfer applications. They
consider the parameters of NFs like density, viscosity, specific heat and thermal conductivity, volume fraction
NP size etc. in all cases. Some of the experiments based on the flow condition and others based on the
availability of the nanoparticle in terms of size.

Seung Won Lee et.al [1] investigated the dispersion behavior for SiC/deionized water (DIW)
nanofluids of different pH values and characterized with the zeta potential values. The isoelectric point of
SiC/DIW nanofluid was identified in terms of colloidal stability. Then their viscosity and thermal conductivity
were investigated as a function of volume fraction to evaluate SiC/DIW nanofluids potential to function as
more effective working fluids in heat transfer applications. Elias et.al,[2] studied the effect of different
nanoparticle shapes (such as cylindrical, bricks, blades, platelets, and spherical) on the performance of a shell
and tube heat exchanger operating with nanofluid. It has been identified that cylindrical shape exhibited better
heat transfer characteristics and heat transfer rate. Farajollahiet.al [3] carried out experiments on heat transfer
characteristics under turbulent condition using Al 2O3/water and TiO2/water nanofluids in a shell and tube heat
exchanger and the effects of Peclet number, volume concentration of suspended nanoparticles, and particle type.
It has been revealed that, adding of nanoparticles to the base fluid causes the significant enhancement of heat
transfer characteristics.

Xiaoke Li et.al [4] showed that the nanofluids exhibited an interesting rheological behavior of the
viscosity curves. The rheological behavior of the studied SiC/EG nanofluids had a strong relationship with shear
rates and particle concentration. In addition to that viscosity of the nanofluids increased with volume fractions
but decreased with temperatures. The theoretical analyses also lead to a classification of nanofluids into dilute
nanofluids and concentrated nanofluids on particle concentration. Ghanbarpour et.al [5] performed an
experimental study to investigate the thermal performance of heat pipes using SiC/water nanofluid as the
working fluid and revealed that the inclination angle has remarkable influence on the thermal performance of
the heat pipes. The lowest thermal resistance belongs to the inclination angle of 60 o for all concentrations. It is
concluded that the maximum heat removal capacity of the heat pipe increases by 29% with SiC nanofluids at
nanoparticle mass concentration of 1.0 wt. %. [6]-[19] performed various experiments based on nanofluids
using various nanoparticles with different concentrations and proved that adding nanoparticle in the base fluid
provide a solid changes in heat transfer characteristics.

After a deep research in this field of nanofluids, it is seen that no research had been done using
nanofluids with addition of milling process. Henceforth, this experimental work was carried out by milling the
SiC and the heat transfer characteristics of normal and milled SiC nanoparticles are evaluated.

2. Preparation and Characterization of Nanofluids

Heat transfer enhancement in thermal systems can be done by nanofluids which is the mixture of
nanoparticles suspended in the base fluid. In this case SiC (P) and SiC (M) are uniformly dispersed and stably
suspended in the base fluids of water and Ethylene Glycol. SiC Nanoparticles of particle size 110nm is made for
the present investigation. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with EDS is utilized to ascertain the
morphology of SiC (P) and SiC (M). Fig. 1 shows that Sic (P) have an angular shape and in the form of large
agglomerates. Fig. 2 shows that SiC (M) have a sub angular shape and almost looks like flakes. A planetary ball
mill (high energy) is used to reduce the particle size from 110nm (micron level) to 24nm (nano level) for a

period of 48 hours. Tungsten carbide of 10 mm with zirconia balls of 3 mm are used in the milling process
in a stainless steel chamber. The ball to powder weight ratio (BPR) of the ball mill is 10:1 and the planet carrier
has a rotational speed of 200 rpm. During the process agglomeration is prevented using, surf active agent-
Toluene was used. After milling SiC (P) turn out to be higher more amorphous results in the reduction of
crystallinity of 25% and there is an increase in lattice strain with respect to time. Table.1. shows the weight and
atomic ranges of Si (P) and SiC (M) indicating the presence of Fe in SiC (M) since SiC phase suffers maximum
by milling.

Nanoparticle Nb2O5
Element Nb O
Weight % 6.35 3.30
Atomic % 24.88 75.12
Fig.1. The SEM images of SiC; the image A-1 and A-2 is the SEM and EDS of SiC (P), the image A-1 and
A-2 is the SEM and EDS of SiC (M)

The nanofluids are prepared in a state of homogeneous and there should not be any particle
agglomeration due to interactions. Preparation of nanofluids is done by two step method. Initially the SiC (P)
and SiC (M) of volume concentrations 0.412% and 0.5% are dissolved in the DI water and ethylene glycol as
shown in fig.2. (a, b). Finally sonification is done for 3 h by constant stirring to eradicate the agglomeration
present in the fluid. Fig 2. (c, d) shows the perfect suspension of the both SiC (P) and SiC (M) in the base fluids
of DI and EG. No surfactant and dispersant are added in this study to avoid technical hitches. A continuous
collision between the nanoparticle and the molecules of base fluid causes the Brownian motion which is the
random motion of nanoparticle within the base fluid. Increase in the temperature intensifies the Brownian
motion, as per the kinetic theory of particles. The particles suspended in the base fluid are kept unsettled due to
gravity by means of Brownian motion. Keblinski et al (2002) and Koo et al (2004) suggested that the potential
mechanism for the enhancement of thermal conductivity, is the transfer of energy due to the collision of higher
temperature particles with the lower ones. Nano convection also increases the transport of energy in nf system.
Heat transfer rate due to convection can be calculated by convection diffusivity which is the kinematic
diffusivity (v) of the liquid.

f
(1)
Fig.2. Samples of nanofluids after 72 h for 0.412%, 0.5% volume concentration ; a(1) SiC(P) with water before
sonification, a(2) SiC(M) with water before sonification, b(1) SiC(P) with EG before sonification, b(2) SiC(M)
with EG before sonification, c(1) SiC(P) with water after sonification, c(2) SiC(M) with water after
sonification, d(1) SiC(P) with EG after sonification, d(1) SiC(M) with EG after sonification

3. Data Processing

Precious heat energy and the components used to transfer heat are conserved by these fluids by

increasing heat transfer coefficient. The characteristics of heat transfer like specific heat (c) density ( ),

thermal conductivity (K), viscosity ( ) influencing the heat transfer depends on the operating temperature.

Both the values of K and increases by using nanofluids are compared to base fluid. The effective value of

K for nanofluids can be determined by the equation (1)

k p 2kbf 2 (k p kbf )
keff kbf
k p 2kbf 2 (k p kbf )
(1)
Heat transfer rate of both SiC (P) and SiC (M) can be determined by (1), (2) with the experimental
parameters like flow rate, heat capacity and temperature difference. Similarly (3) for DI and (4) gives the
average value.

qSiC( P ) mSiC( P )C p ,SiC ( P ) (TSiC( P ),out TSiC( P ),in )

(2)
qSiC( M ) mSiC( M )C p ,SiC( M ) (TSiC( M ),out TSiC( M ),in )
(3)
q DI mDI C p ,DI (TDI ,in TDI ,out )
(3)
qavg (qcw qnf ) / 2
(4)
From (5) the overall heat transfer coefficient of nanofluid can be determined by obtaining the values surface
area and HT rate experimentally.
mnf C p ,nf (Tnf ,out Tnf ,in )
U q
A.TLMTD A.TLMTD
(5)
 (8)
Re Vd /
Reynolds number is given by the correlation, and Nusselt number can be calculated by

Nu hd / k
the relation,
4. Experimental Setup And Procedure
Figure.3 shows the schematic layout and Fig.4 shows the experimental work of the present
investigation. The setup comprises of a tank of 10 liter capacity and a heater (1.5kW) attached with the lid of the
tank. Load of heater is 1750 W, power source 220/230 V, single phase 50Hz AC supply. An auto transformer
(range 0oC to 100oC) is used to vary the temperature of the heater. A thermometer is dipped into the tank to
measure the nanofluid temperature. Four K-type thermocouples of 0.1C accuracy and a temperature indicator
of sensor type (CR/AL) with a range of 0 oC to 250oC is used to measure the temperature at inlet and outlet of

both the hot nanofluid and cold water of the heat exchanger. All thermocouples are placed and glued with epoxy
to avoid leakage.

Fig. 3 Schematic layout of the setup

The pump used in this work is peristaltic type, HP, 220 V, 50 Hz with the speed about 2000 rpm. It is
capable of pumping fluid for 3 meters elevation for 180 sec. Flow meter (0 to 1 lit/min) capacity "Dasmesh"
Magnetic Driven Water Meter (Single Jet) is used in this work to set the flow rate of the working fluid.
The fluid to be examined circulates from the storage tank through the inner tube (copper) by the pump.
Cold water flows through the outer pipe from the tank by means of gravity. Subjecting the entire section to
constant heat flux boundary condition, the testing fluid is heated and circulated. Initially readings are taken for
water (PF) by setting the temperature ranges from 35 oC, 40oC, 45oC and 50oC by auto transformer and by
monitoring the dipped thermometer. The heat transfer coefficient for various flow rates are determined by
varying the flow from 0.2 to 0.8 lpm by the flow meter. Similarly readings are noted for SiC-P(PF), SiC-M(PF)
and for water (CF),SiC-P(CF), SiC-M(CF).

Figure 4 Photographic view of Experimental setup

5. Results and Discussions

5.1. Heat Transfer Characteristics

5.1.1. Variation of Heat Transfer Coefficient with Reynolds Number

Fig.5 and fig.6 shows the variation of heat transfer coefficient with Re number of nanofluids based on
water and ethylene glycol. Among all comparisons done in both the figures 5 and 6, EG with Sic-M (CF) has
higher value with respect to the increased flow rate. This is because of the structural changes of SiC-M by the
deformation (mechanical) caused by the ball milling. Crystal defects and lattice strains are the effects of the
milling of SiC-P which leads to increase in lattice strain from 0.14 to 0.29 and reduction of crystalline size from
110.32 nm to 24.35.The EDS image of figure.1. (B-2) confirms the presence of contaminations of Fe-K, Fe-
K, Fe-KL which might be due to milling the SiC-These reasons increases the value of heat transfer of
nanofluids.
 1800
1600
1400
1200
Water(PF) Water+SiC-P(PF) Water+SiC-M (PF)
h(w/m2K) 1000
800
600
400
Water(CF) Water+SiC-P(CF) Water+SiC-M (CF)
200
500 700 900 1100 1300 1500 1700 1900 2100 2300 2500
Re

Fig.5 Reynolds Number Vs Heat transfer coefficient, h (W/m2k)

1800
1600
1400
EG(PF) 1200 EG+SiC-P(PF) EG+SiC-M (PF) EG(CF)
h(w/m2K) 1000
800
600
400
EG+SiC-P(CF) EG+SiC-M (CF)
200
500 700 900 1100 1300 1500 1700 1900 2100 2300 2500
Re

Fig.6 Reynolds Number Vs Heat transfer coefficient, h (W/m2k)

5.1.2. Variation of Heat flow rate with Reynolds Number

340
320
300
Water(PF)
280 Water+SiC-P(PF) Water+SiC-M (PF)
Q(W) 260

240
220
Water(CF) Water+SiC-P(CF) Water+SiC-M (CF)
200
500 700 900 1100 1300 1500 1700 1900 2100 2300 2500
Re

Fig.7 shows the

variation of heat transfer rate with Re number of nanofluids based on water and fig. 8 shows the
variation of heat transfer rate with Re number of nanofluids based on EG. The heat transfer rate of EG
with Sic-M (CF) shows maximum compared to the remaining fluids. Increase in milling time decreases
in particle (SiC-P) size which in turn increases the surface roughness and surface area of the particle
(SiC-M). This tends to increase the surface energy of the particle (SiC-M). Also the wettability of the
 surface increases due to higher surface roughness which is the cause of higher heat transfer rate of EG
with SiC-M (CF). Fig.9 shows the comparison of for all the combinations nanofluids with the base
fluids of water and EG. It shows a good agreement with the Dittus-Boelter equation of Nusselt number

Fig.7 Reynolds Number Vs Q (W)

340
320
300
EG(PF)
280 EG+SiC-P(PF) EG+SiC-M (PF) EG(CF)
Q(W) 260

240
220
EG+SiC-P(CF) EG+SiC-M (CF)
200
500 700 900 1100 1300 1500 1700 1900 2100 2300 2500
Re

Fig.8 Reynolds Number Vs Q (W)

18

16
Water(PF) Water+SiC-P(PF) Water+SiC-M (PF)
14

12
Water(CF) Water+SiC-P(CF) Water+SiC-M (CF)
Nu 10
8

6 EG(PF) EG+SiC-P(PF) EG+SiC-M (PF)

2 EG(CF) EG+SiC-P(CF) EG+SiC-M (CF)

500 700 900 1100 1300 1500 1700 1900 2100 2300 2500
Re

Figure .9 Re vs Nu

5.3. Thermal conductivity analysis

As the SiC particles are sphere shaped the Maxwell model is used to calcite the thermal conductivity.

kp
k nf k f 1 3( 1)
kf
( 2) ( 1)
where
 0.7

0.68

0.66
Water Water+SiC-P Water+SiC-M EG EG+SiC-P
0.64
Thermal Conductivity, (W/mK)
0.62

0.6

EG+SiC-M 0.58

0.56
30 35 40 45 50 55
Temperature(oC)

Fig .10 Temperature vs Thermal Conductivity

Fig.10 shows the measured thermal conductivity ranges from 35 oC to 50oC for water and nanofluids.
Among all the nanofluids (EG+SiC-M) has higher value of k with increase in temperature. Fig.1 (B-1) shows
the SEM image of SiC-M consisting almost cylindrical shape in structure rather than SiC-P shown in fig.1 (A-1)
which enhances the thermal conductivity in shape aspects. The reduction in the percentage of crystallinity leads
the SiC-M to be amorphous and the phase of SiC-M also suffered a lot due to milling.
Nomenclature

Symbols
knf thermal conductivity of nanofluids (W/mK)
h heat transfer coefficient, W/m2 K
Re Reynolds Number Subscripts
Nu Nusselt number SiC (M) Silicon Carbide (milled)
V velocity of flow SiC (P) Silicon Carbide (normal)
dynamic viscosity of fluid CW Cold water
kf thermal conductivity of base fluid(W/m K) PF Parallel flow
kp thermal conductivity of nanoparticles(W/m CF Counter flow
K)
 6. Conclusions

The heat transfer performance of silicon carbide nanofluid in a concentric tube is contemplated in a
laminar flow condition. The heat transfer coefficient and heat transfer rate increases with respect to Reynolds
number than that of the base fluids in both case of water and pure EG. Among all nanofluids SiC-M (CF) shows
higher value due to the structural changes caused by milling. Further thermal conductivity increases for all cases
and the maximum value obtained for SiC-M (CF) and hence this method of milled nanofluids can be utilized for
heat transfer enhancement techniques. Further investigation is needed to develop the correlation for milled
nanoparticles.

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Abstract: Water and ethylene glycol as conventional coolants have been widely used in an automotive
car radiator for many years. These heat transfer fluids offer low thermal conductivity. With the
advancement of nanotechnology, the new generation of heat transfer fluids called, nanofluids have
been developed and researchers found that these fluids offer higher thermal conductivity compared to
that of conventional coolants. This study focused on the application of ethylene glycol based copper
nanofluids in an automotive cooling system. Relevant input data, nanofluid properties and empirical
correlations were obtained from literatures to investigate the heat transfer enhancement of an
automotive car radiator operated with nanofluid-based coolants. It was observed that, overall heat
transfer coefficient and heat transfer rate in engine cooling system increased with the usage of
nanofluids (with ethylene glycol the basefluid) compared to ethylene glycol (i.e. basefluid) alone. It is
observed that, about 3.8% of heat transfer enhancement could be achieved with the addition of 2%
copper particles in a basefluid at the Reynolds number of 6000 and 5000 for air and coolant
respectively. In addition, the reduction of air frontal area was estimated.
Keywords: Nanofluids; Automotive radiator; Heat transfer enhancement

S.M. Peyghambarzadeh, S.H. Hashemabadi, S.M. Hoseini, M. Seifi Jamnani, Experimental study of
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radiators, International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, Volume 38, Issue 9, November
2011, Pages 1283-1290, ISSN 0735-1933, http://doi.org/10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2011.07.001.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S073519331100159X)
Abstract: Traditionally forced convection heat transfer in a car radiator is performed to cool circulating
fluid which consisted of water or a mixture of water and anti-freezing materials like ethylene glycol
(EG). In this paper, the heat transfer performance of pure water and pure EG has been compared with
their binary mixtures. Furthermore, different amounts of Al2O3 nanoparticle have been added into
these base fluids and its effects on the heat transfer performance of the car radiator have been
determined experimentally. Liquid flow rate has been changed in the range of 26 l per minute and the
fluid inlet temperature has been changed for all the experiments. The results demonstrate that
nanofluids clearly enhance heat transfer compared to their own base fluid. In the best conditions, the
heat transfer enhancement of about 40% compared to the base fluids has been recorded.
Keywords: Water/Al2O3 nanofluid; Ethylene glycol/Al2O3 nanofluid; Heat transfer enhancement; Car
radiator; Cooling performance; Experimental study

S.M. Peyghambarzadeh, S.H. Hashemabadi, M. Naraki, Y. Vermahmoudi, Experimental study of

overall heat transfer coefficient in the application of dilute nanofluids in the car radiator, Applied
Thermal Engineering, Volume 52, Issue 1, 5 April 2013, Pages 8-16, ISSN 1359-4311,
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2012.11.013.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359431112007260)
Abstract: Heat transfer of coolant flow through the automobile radiators is of great importance for the
optimization of fuel consumption. In this study, the heat transfer performance of the automobile
radiator is evaluated experimentally by calculating the overall heat transfer coefficient (U) according to
the conventional -NTU technique. Copper oxide (CuO) and Iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles are
added to the water at three concentrations 0.15, 0.4, and 0.65 vol.% with considering the best pH for
longer stability. In these experiments, the liquid side Reynolds number is varied in the range of 50
1000 and the inlet liquid to the radiator has a constant temperature which is changed at 50, 65 and
80 C. The ambient air for cooling of the hot liquid is used at constant temperature and the air
Reynolds number is varied between 500 and 700. However, the effects of these variables on the overall
heat transfer coefficient are deeply investigated. Results demonstrate that both nanofluids show greater
overall heat transfer coefficient in comparison with water up to 9%. Furthermore, increasing the
nanoparticle concentration, air velocity, and nanofluid velocity enhances the overall heat transfer
coefficient. In contrast, increasing the nanofluid inlet temperature, lower overall heat transfer
coefficient was recorded.
Keywords: Overall heat transfer coefficient; Automobile radiator; Nanoparticle; Copper oxide; Iron
oxide; Experimental; stability

C. Oliet, A. Oliva, J. Castro, C.D. Prez-Segarra, Parametric studies on automotive radiators, Applied
Thermal Engineering, Volume 27, Issues 1112, August 2007, Pages 2033-2043, ISSN 1359-4311,
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2006.12.006.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359431106004236)
Abstract: This paper presents a set of parametric studies performed on automotive radiators by means
of a detailed rating and design heat exchanger model developed by the authors. This numerical tool has
been previously verified and validated using a wide experimental data bank. A first part of the analysis
focuses on the influence of working conditions on both fluids (mass flows, inlet temperatures) and the
impact of the selected coolant fluid. Following these studies, the influence of some geometrical
parameters is analysed (fin pitch, louver angle) as well as the importance of coolant flow lay-out on the
radiator global performance. This work provides an overall behaviour report of automobile radiators
working at usual range of operating conditions, while significant knowledge-based design conclusions
have also been reported. The results show the utility of this numerical model as a rating and design tool
for heat exchangers manufacturers, being a reasonable compromise between classic NTU methods
and CFD.
Keywords: Fin-and-tube heat exchangers; Parametric studies; Automotive radiators; Engine cooling

M. Naraki, S.M. Peyghambarzadeh, S.H. Hashemabadi, Y. Vermahmoudi, Parametric study of overall

heat transfer coefficient of CuO/water nanofluids in a car radiator, International Journal of Thermal
Sciences, Volume 66, April 2013, Pages 82-90, ISSN 1290-0729,
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2012.11.013.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1290072912003249)
Abstract: In this research, the overall heat transfer coefficient of CuO/water nanofluids is investigated
experimentally under laminar flow regime (100 Re 1000) in a car radiator. The experimental
system is quite similar to cars' cooling system. The nanofluids in all the experiments have been
stabilized with variation of pH and use of suitable surfactant. The results show that the overall heat
transfer coefficient with nanofluid is more than the base fluid. The overall heat transfer coefficient
increases with the enhancement in the nanofluid concentration from 0 to 0.4 vol.%. Conversely, the
overall heat transfer coefficient decreases with increasing the nanofluid inlet temperature from 50 to
80 C. The implementation of nanofluid increases the overall heat transfer coefficient up to 8% at
nanofluid concentration of 0.4 vol.% in comparison with the base fluid. In addition, the results are
statistically analyzed using Taguchi method by implementing Qualitek-4 software. The maximum value
of the overall heat transfer coefficient with nanofluid, effect of each operating parameter on the overall
heat transfer coefficient and the optimum values of each parameter are determined.
Keywords: Nanofluid; Overall heat transfer coefficient; CuO; Radiator; Experimental design; Taguchi
method

Ravikanth S. Vajjha, Debendra K. Das, Praveen K. Namburu, Numerical study of fluid dynamic and
heat transfer performance of Al2O3 and CuO nanofluids in the flat tubes of a radiator, International
Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, Volume 31, Issue 4, August 2010, Pages 613-621, ISSN 0142-727X,
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatfluidflow.2010.02.016.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142727X1000038X)
Abstract: A three-dimensional laminar flow and heat transfer with two different nanofluids, Al2O3 and
CuO, in an ethylene glycol and water mixture circulating through the flat tubes of an automobile
radiator have been numerically studied to evaluate their superiority over the base fluid. New
correlations for viscosity and thermal conductivity of nanofluids as a function of particle volumetric
concentration and temperature developed from the experiments have been used in this paper.
Numerical results from the present simulation were first validated for the flow of water by comparing
the friction factor and the Nusselt number in flat tubes, for which accurate results are available in the
literature. Next, the model was applied to study the peripheral variations of shear stress and convective
heat transfer coefficient, both showing higher magnitudes in the flat regions of the tube. Convective
heat transfer coefficient in the developing and developed regions along the flat tubes with the nanofluid
flow showed marked improvement over the base fluid. Results for the local and the average friction
factor and convective heat transfer coefficient show an increase with increasing particle volumetric
concentration of the nanofluids. Quantitative results of the increase of the heat transfer coefficient and
the friction factor with increasing volumetric concentrations of nanofluids at various Reynolds numbers
are presented. The pressure loss increases with increasing particle volumetric concentrations of
nanofluids; however, due to the reduced volumetric flow needed for the same amount of heat transfer,
the required pumping power diminishes.
Keywords: Nanofluid; Nanoparticles; Thermophysical properties; Convection; Flat tube; Radiators

Hwa-Ming Nieh, Tun-Ping Teng, Chao-Chieh Yu, Enhanced heat dissipation of a radiator using oxide
nano-coolant, International Journal of Thermal Sciences, Volume 77, March 2014, Pages 252-261,
ISSN 1290-0729, http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2013.11.008.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1290072913002767)
Abstract: Abstract
This study adopts an alumina (Al2O3) and titania (TiO2) nano-coolant (NC) to enhance the heat
dissipation performance of an air-cooled radiator. The two-step synthesis method is used to produce
different concentrations of Al2O3 and TiO2/water (W) nanofluid by using a 0.2 wt.% chitosan
dispersant, and the nanofluid is mixed with ethylene glycol (EG) at a 1:1 volume ratio to form NC1 to
NC6. The experiments were conducted to measure the thermal conductivity, viscosity, and specific heat
of the NC with different concentrations of nanoparticles and sample temperatures, and then the NC was
used in an air-cooled radiator to evaluate its heat dissipation capacity, pressure drop, and pumping
power under different volumetric flow rates and heating temperatures. Finally, this study evaluates the
relationship of the heat dissipation capacity and pumping power by using the efficiency factor (EF).
The experimental results show that the heat dissipation capacity and the EF of the NC are higher than
EG/W, and that the TiO2 NC is higher than the Al2O3 NC according to most of the experimental data.
The maximum enhanced ratios of the heat dissipation capacity, pressure drop, pumping power, and EF
for all the experimental parameters are approximately 25.6%, 6.1%, 2.5%, and 27.2%, respectively,
compared with EG/W. Overall, the NC improves the heat dissipation capacity and EF of the cooling
system; however, the enhanced ratio of the pressure drop and pumping power is not obvious in this
study.
Keywords: Alumina (Al2O3); Efficiency factor; Nano-coolant; Pumping power; Titania (TiO2)

Vahid Delavari, Seyed Hassan Hashemabadi, CFD simulation of heat transfer enhancement of
Al2O3/water and Al2O3/ethylene glycol nanofluids in a car radiator, Applied Thermal Engineering,
Volume 73, Issue 1, 5 December 2014, Pages 380-390, ISSN 1359-4311,
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2014.07.061.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359431114006371)
Abstract: Abstract
The present numerical study simulated turbulent and laminar flow heat transfer in nanofluids (Al2O3
particles in water and ethylene glycol-based fluid) passing through a flat tube in 3D using
computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for single and two-phase approaches. The advantages over pure
base fluids were evaluated. Empirical correlations were used to calculate nanofluid viscosity and
thermal conductivity as a function of the volumetric concentration of the nanoparticles. First, the
Nusselt numbers of the pure water and pure ethylene glycol in flat tubes were compared with the
experimental data. Next, the Nusselt numbers for both approaches were compared with those for
experimental data at the same Reynolds number for different concentrations of nanoparticles. A small
difference in the friction factors of the tube was observed between the two approaches and the Nusselt
number for the two-phase model was markedly different from that for the single-phase model;
however, the volumetric flow for the same heat transfer rate decreased and less pumping power was
required for the nanofluids.
Keywords: Nanofluid; Computational fluid dynamics; Heat transfer; Flat tube; Two-phase approach;
Car radiator

M.M. Elias, I.M. Mahbubul, R. Saidur, M.R. Sohel, I.M. Shahrul, S.S. Khaleduzzaman, S.
Sadeghipour, Experimental investigation on the thermo-physical properties of Al2O3 nanoparticles
suspended in car radiator coolant, International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, Volume
54, May 2014, Pages 48-53, ISSN 0735-1933, http://doi.org/10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2014.03.005.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735193314000761)
Abstract: Abstract
Nanofluid is a new type of heat transfer fluid with superior thermal performance characteristics, which
is very promising for thermal engineering applications. This paper presents new findings on the thermal
conductivity, viscosity, density, and specific heat of Al2O3 nanoparticles dispersed into water and
ethylene glycol based coolant used in car radiator. The nanofluids were prepared by the two-step
method by using an ultrasonic homogenizer with no surfactants. Thermal conductivity, viscosity,
density, and specific heat have been measured at different volume concentrations (i.e. 0 to 1 vol.%) of
nanoparticles and various temperature ranges (i.e. from 10 C to 50 C). It was found that thermal
conductivity, viscosity, and density of the nanofluid increased with the increase of volume
concentrations. However, specific heat of nanofluid was found to be decreased with the increase of
nanoparticle volume concentrations. Moreover, by increasing the temperature, thermal conductivity
and specific heat were observed to be intensified, while the viscosity and density were decreased.
Keywords: Nanofluid; Volume concentration; Temperature; Thermal conductivity; Viscosity; Density;
Specific heat

A. Witry, M.H. Al-Hajeri, Ali A. Bondok, Thermal performance of automotive aluminium plate
radiator, Applied Thermal Engineering, Volume 25, Issues 89, June 2005, Pages 1207-1218, ISSN
1359-4311, http://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2004.09.005.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359431104002650)
Abstract: The thermal performance of an automotive radiator plays an important role in the
performance of an automobiles cooling system and all other associated systems. For a number of
years, this component has suffered from little attention with very little changing in its manufacturing
cost, operation and geometry. As opposed to the old tubular heat exchanger configurations used in
automotive radiators, plate heat exchangers currently form the backbone of todays process industry
with their advanced performance reaching levels the designers of tubular heat exchangers can only
dream of.

The aluminium roll-bonding technique widely used in manufacturing the cooling compartments for
domestic refrigeration units is one of the cheapest methods for heat exchanger manufacturing. Using
this technique, it is possible to manufacture a wide range of heat exchanger configurations that can help
augment heat transfer whilst reducing pressure drops. CFD results obtained for a patterned plate heat
exchanger using the CFD code FLUENT show tremendous levels of possible performance
improvement on both sides of the heat exchanger.

For the internal flow, heat transfer augmentation caused by the repetitive impingement against the
dimple obstructions renders such geometries equal to those of aerospace industry pin-fins whilst
lowering pressure drops due to the wider cross-sectional areas. For the external flows, the wider and
wavy nature of the surface area increases heat transfer leaving the addition of extra surface roughness
add-ons as an option.
Keywords: Plate heat exchanger; Forced convection; CFD

Hafiz Muhammad Ali, Hassan Ali, Hassan Liaquat, Hafiz Talha Bin Maqsood, Malik Ahmed Nadir,
Experimental investigation of convective heat transfer augmentation for car radiator using ZnOwater
nanofluids, Energy, Volume 84, 1 May 2015, Pages 317-324, ISSN 0360-5442,
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2015.02.103.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544215002807)
Abstract: Abstract
New experimental data are reported for water based nanofluids to enhance the heat transfer
performance of a car radiator. ZnO nanoparticles have been added into base fluid in different
volumetric concentrations (0.01%, 0.08%, 0.2% and 0.3%). The effect of these volumetric
concentrations on the heat transfer performance for car radiator is determined experimentally. Fluid
flow rate has been varied in a range of 711 LPM (liter per minute) (corresponding Reynolds number
range was 17,50027,600). Nanofluids showed heat transfer enhancement compared to the base fluid
for all concentrations tested. The best heat transfer enhancement up to 46% was found compared to
base fluid at 0.2% volumetric concentration. A further increase in volumetric concentration to 0.3% has
shown a decrease in heat transfer enhancement compared to 0.2% volumetric concentration. Fluid inlet
temperature was kept in a range of 4555 C. An increase in fluid inlet temperature from 45 C to
55 C showed increase in heat transfer rate up to 4%.
Keywords: Nanofluids; Nanoparticles; ZnO/water; Heat transfer enhancement; Heat exchanger
A.R. Sajadi, M.H. Kazemi, Investigation of turbulent convective heat transfer and pressure drop of
TiO2/water nanofluid in circular tube, International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer,
Volume 38, Issue 10, December 2011, Pages 1474-1478, ISSN 0735-1933,
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2011.07.007.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735193311001655)
Abstract: Turbulent heat transfer behavior of titanium dioxide/water nanofluid in a circular pipe was
investigated experimentally where the volume fraction of nanoparticles in the base fluid was less than
0.25%. The experimental measurements have been carried out in the fully-developed turbulent regime
for various volumetric concentrations. The results indicated that addition of small amounts of
nanoparticles to the base fluid augmented heat transfer remarkably. There was no much effect on heat
transfer enhancement with increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles. The measurements also
showed that the pressure drop of nanofluid was slightly higher than that of the base fluid and increased
with increasing the volume concentration. In this paper, experimental results have been compared with
the existing correlations for nanofluid convective heat transfer coefficient in turbulent regime. Finally,
a new correlation of the Nusselt number will be presented using the results of the experiments with
titanium dioxide nanoparticles dispersed in water.
Keywords: Turbulent flow; Nanofluid; Convective heat transfer; Convection correlation

M. Elsebay, I. Elbadawy, M.H. Shedid, M. Fatouh, Numerical resizing study of Al2O3 and CuO
nanofluids in the flat tubes of a radiator, Applied Mathematical Modelling, Volume 40, Issues 1314,
July 2016, Pages 6437-6450, ISSN 0307-904X, http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apm.2016.01.039.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0307904X16300270)
Abstract: Abstract
Heat transfer of coolant flow through the automobile radiators is significant for the optimization of fuel
consumption and radiator sizing. Using of nanofluids as a coolant in the car radiators is a crucial topic
in the vehicles industry due to the expected enhancement of cooling process. In this study, resizing
process for a radiator is performed due to the use of nanofluid instead of water flow. Two nanofluids
(Al2O3/water and CuO/water) flowing in a flat tube of radiator are investigated numerically to evaluate
both thermal and flow performance and accomplish the resizing process. Four volume concentrations
of 1, 3, 5 and 7% are studied at Reynolds number ranges from 250 to 1750. The flattened tube model is
constructed, discretized, tested and validated with the available data from the literature and the well-
known correlations. A significant reduction of the radiator volume is achieved due to marked
improvement in the heat transfer performance. On the contrary, the required pumping power after the
radiator volume reduction is increased over that needed for base fluid.
Keywords: Numerical; Heat transfer; Flat tube; Radiator; Nanofluid

Ningbo Zhao, Jialong Yang, Hui Li, Ziyin Zhang, Shuying Li, Numerical investigations of laminar heat
transfer and flow performance of Al2O3water nanofluids in a flat tube, International Journal of Heat
and Mass Transfer, Volume 92, January 2016, Pages 268-282, ISSN 0017-9310,
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2015.08.098.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0017931015009394)
Abstract: Abstract
This paper presents a three-dimensional numerical analysis to study the laminar heat transfer and flow
characteristics of Al2O3water nanofluids through a flat tube at constant heat flux boundary condition.
New correlation models for thermal conductivity and viscosity of Al2O3water nanofluids are
developed and verified. Based on the single-phase approach, the effects of different parameters such as
nanoparticle volume concentration, nanoparticle size, Reynolds number, temperature and tube
flattening on the thermalhydraulic performance of flat tube with Al2O3water nanofluids as working
media are discussed in detail. Then, this study provides an entropy generation analysis to evaluate the
overall superiority of nanofluids. Numerical results show that the addition of nanoparticle enhances the
heat transfer and pressure loss of base fluid in all of the flat tubes at various Reynolds number and
temperature. Both the relative average convective heat transfer coefficient and press drop can be
enhanced by increasing nanoparticle volume concentration and decreasing nanoparticle size. And the
heat transfer and press drop enhancements of nanofluids are more obvious at smaller Reynolds number
and higher temperature. In additions, it is also detected that the thermal entropy generation is the main
part caused irreversibility, and the increase of nanoparticle volume concentration and size can decrease
the total entropy generation of Al2O3water nanofluids in a flat tube. Moreover, compared to the tube
flattening, nanoparticle volume concentration has a slight effect on the relative thermalhydraulic
performance between flat tubes and circular tube.
Keywords: Nanofluids; Laminar flow; Heat transfer; Thermophysical properties; Entropy generation;
Flat tube