Employing a new micro-spray model and (MWCNTs - SWCNTs) - H2O nanofluid on Si-IGBT power module for energy storage: A numerical simulation

This numerical paper addresses the effects of using a cooling fluid (H2O) with the presence of carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs - SWCNTs) and micro-sprays aimed at reducing the heat peak of the interior of the electrical system, i.e., enhancing the shelf life of components. The studied process was assessed under steady-state conditions and employing the k-omega (k-omega) turbulence modeling ANSYS-FLUENT software. The simulation is conducted so that the heat flux applied to the electrical system (Diode and IGBT) was on a constant basis. In accordance with the results, it was realized that increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles (to 5%) causes the thermal diffusivity of the fluid to elevate and ultimately the temperature peak is created in smaller values. Besides, it was deducted that using micro spray (Case 3) because of its special geometry and dimensions, causes fluid behavior to be created turbulently. This also leads to increasing the generated flow rate; therefore, along the embedded duct, the hydrodynamic effects prevail over the thermal effects and the module temperature is reduced (to 326 K). This transcendental cooling power has caused the performance coefficient (COP) of Case 3 to have the lowest rate relative to Case 1, while the pumping power (Pp) trend is the opposite. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effects of using a cooling fluid and micro-sprays to reduce the heat peak of the electrical system. Increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles can elevate the thermal diffusivity of the fluid and reduce the temperature peak. Using micro spray can create turbulent fluid behavior, leading to hydrodynamic effects prevailing over thermal effects and reducing module temperature.