Xu D., Pan L., Yao Q.
Institute og High Performance Computing, SG
Keywords: computational fluid dynamics, heat transfer, microchannels., nanofluids
When metal or oxide nano particles are dispersed in fluids to form nanofluids, the particles will improve the thermal conductivity of the fluids. Therefore, it is suggested to use nanofluids as coolant to improve heat-exchanger efficiency. However, the nano particles also cause the increase of fluid viscosity. The present paper has numerically studied the flow and heat transfer of the nanofluids in a microchannel by using Computational Fluid Dynamic method. It is found that although the nano particles enhance the heat transfer of the fluids about certain percent, the nano particles also cause an increase of viscous shear stress, and further causes an increase of the power consumption for delivering the nanofluids through the microchannels.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: Technical Proceedings of the 2007 Clean Technology Conference and Trade Show
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 79 - 82
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Energy Storage
ISBN: 1-4200-6382-0