Experimental investigation of convective heat transfer augmentation for car radiator using ZnO-water nanofluids

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 7-11 LPM (liter per minute) (corresponding Reynolds number range was 17,500-27,600). 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 45-55 degrees C. An increase in fluid inlet temperature from 45 degrees C to 55 degrees C showed increase in heat transfer rate up to 4%. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.