Experimental thermal and hydraulic study of super hydrophobic wavy mini channel heat sink using aqueous nanofluids

Super hydrophobic wavy mini channel heat sink is analyzed experimentally for thermal and hydraulic analysis using SiO2 and TiO2 aqueous nanofluids with volumetric concentration of 0.01% and 0.02%. The test rig is validated by comparing the data obtained for water (distilled) using simple wavy mini channel heat sink (without super hydrophobic coating) with the theoretical model of Peng and Peterson. Three cartridge heaters were used to supply uniform heat flux to the base of mini channel heat sink. Results were obtained at steady state in laminar regime of flow at Reynolds number ranging from 400 to 1230. Data were acquired at heating powers of 40, 55, and 70 W. Augmentation of 31.37% in heat transfer was recorded for super hydrophobic mini channel heat sink as compared to conventional heat sink with a reduction of 39.02% in pressure drop. The results can be summarized as enhancement of heat transfer with a noticeable diminution in pressure drop and hence reduced power consumption.

Automated summary

The study experimentally analyzes a super hydrophobic wavy mini channel heat sink using SiO2 and TiO2 aqueous nanofluids. The results show that the super hydrophobic heat sink significantly enhances heat transfer while reducing pressure drop, thus reducing power consumption.