Thermal-Hydraulic Performance of SiC-Water and Al2O3-Water Nanofluids in the Minichannel

The single-phase flow and heat transfer behaviors of SiC and Al2O3 nanoparticles dispersed in water were studied experimentally in a multiport minichannel flat tube (MMFT). The volume concentrations of the two nanofluids ranged from 0.001% to 1%. Their effective particle sizes, thermal conductivities, and viscosities were also measured. Results indicated that these nanofluids as a working fluid could enhance heat transfer but increase pressure drop and the Nusselt number by up to 85%. The two nanofluids exhibited a common optimal volume concentration of 0.01% for heat transfer. Effective particle size was also found to have a significant effect on heat transfer.