Comparative investigation of convective heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of MWCNT, Fe3O4, and MWCNT/Fe3O4 nanofluids

The present work discusses the experimental investigation of the convective heat transfer (CHT) and pressure drop characteristics of a hybrid nanofluid (HNF). The multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) NF, Fe3O4 NF, and MWCNT/Fe3O4 HNFs with 0.025 wt% to 0.2 wt% concentrations were prepared through ultrasonic dispersion. The CHT coefficient of the three NFs was investigated in a cylindrical test section at different Reynolds numbers (Re) and compared. As an outcome, the CHT coefficients of the MWCNT/Fe3O4 HNFs ranged from 1823.2 to 2030.5 W/m(2).K, which is 6%-15.9% more than the base fluid. Furthermore, the MWCNT/Fe3O4 HNFs outperformed the MWCNT and Fe3O4 NFs individually during the CHT coefficient enhancement. At Re of 1000-1600, the increase in pressure drop of the MWCNT NF, Fe3O4 NF, and MWCNT/Fe3O4 HNFs varied from 62.4% to 91.7% as compared to water. Therefore, it is expected that the MWCNT/Fe3O4 HNF could be an effective heat transport medium.

Automated summary

This work focuses on the study of the convective heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of a hybrid nanofluid. Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) NF, Fe3O4 NF, and MWCNT/Fe3O4 HNFs with different concentrations were prepared. The convective heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop were investigated and compared. The results showed that the MWCNT/Fe3O4 HNFs exhibited higher heat transfer coefficients and larger pressure drops compared to the base fluid, indicating their potential as an effective heat transport medium.