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Maximizing Thermal Performance of Heat Pipe Heat Exchangers for Industrial Applications Using Silver Nanofluids

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Abstract

This study analyzes the thermal performance of a specially designed heat pipe heat exchanger (HPHE) containing distinct evaporator and condenser sections and utilizes two convective heat transfer media—deionized (DI) water and silver nanofluids. Low-grade industrial waste heat at 50–60 °C is the primary heat source. The HPHE employs a stainless steel mesh wick and copper fins to promote efficient evaporation and condensation heat transfer (background). The goal was to assess and compare the HPHE's performance in recovering this waste heat using DI water and silver nanofluids as the working fluids (purpose). A custom-built experimental setup allowed careful control and systematic variation of operating parameters, including thermal load (70-90W), and hot and cold fluid mass flow rates (0.2–0.6 kg⋅min−1 and 0.1–0.3 kg⋅min−1). The nanofluid was synthesized robustly, demonstrating remarkable uniformity and stability. The working fluids' heat exchange rates and efficiencies were analyzed and compared based on calculated thermal resistance, overall heat transfer coefficient (U), and effectiveness (ε) values (methods). The nanofluid reduced thermal resistance by 10–15% and improved U and ε by over 60% compared to DI water. A maximum effectiveness of 39.25% proved the HPHE's exceptional waste heat recovery capacity using nanofluids (results). Heat transfer performance escalated with higher thermal loads yet required optimal mass flow rates to balance turbulence and exposure time. The modified HPHE with silver nanofluids shows immense potential for harnessing industrial waste heat through substantially intensified heat exchange rates and thermal efficiency.

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Data Availability

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

Abbreviations

kf:

Thermal conductivity of the base fluid (W⋅m−1⋅K−1)

kp:

Thermal conductivity of nanoparticles (W⋅m−1⋅K−1)

φ:

The volume fraction of nanoparticles (–)

knf:

Thermal conductivity of nanofluid (W⋅m−1⋅K−1)

μf:

Viscosity of base fluid (Pa⋅s)

μnf:

Viscosity of nanofluid (Pa⋅s)

ρf:

Density of base fluid (kg⋅m−3)

ρp:

Density of nanoparticles (kg⋅m−3)

ρnf:

Density of nanofluid (kg⋅m−3)

(ρCp)f:

Heat capacity of base fluid (J⋅kg−1⋅K−1)

(ρCp)p:

Heat capacity of nanoparticles (J⋅kg−1⋅K−1)

(ρCp)nf:

Heat capacity of nanofluid (J⋅kg−1⋅K−1)

T:

Temperature (K or °C)

Q:

Heat transfer rate (W)

h:

Heat transfer coefficient (W⋅m−2⋅K−1)

A:

Surface area (m2)

ΔTlm:

Log mean temperature difference (K or °C)

Rth:

Thermal resistance (K⋅W−1)

ε:

Effectiveness (–)

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Acknowledgements

Thanks to Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Kalasalingam University, Krishnan koil, Tamilnadu, for providing lab facilities and technical support for the smooth conduct of this research work.

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India

    Ramasamy Sethuraman & Thambidurai Muthuvelan

  2. Department of Automobile Engineering, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu, India

    Sivasubramanian Mahadevan

  3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Aksum University, Axum, Ethiopia

    Ratchagaraja Dhairiyasamy

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  1. Ramasamy Sethuraman
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Contributions

R.S. conceived and designed the study, conducted the experimental work, and analyzed the data. T.M. contributed to the literature review, assisted in experimental design, and performed data interpretation. S.M. provided guidance in the experimental setup, reviewed and validated the data, and contributed to the theoretical framework. R.D. facilitated the experimental setup, conducted simulations, and contributed to the manuscript's preparation. All authors participated in manuscript writing and editing, providing critical feedback, and approved the final version for submission.

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Correspondence to Ramasamy Sethuraman.

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Sethuraman, R., Muthuvelan, T., Mahadevan, S. et al. Maximizing Thermal Performance of Heat Pipe Heat Exchangers for Industrial Applications Using Silver Nanofluids. Int J Thermophys 45, 55 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10765-024-03343-1

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