Thermal Performance Enhancement of a Cross-Flow-Type Maisotsenko Heat and Mass Exchanger Using Various Nanofluids

Abstract

The incorporation of a Maisotsenko (M) Cycle into an indirect evaporative cooler has led to the achievement of sub-wet bulb temperature without any humidification, thus making it a possible green and sustainable alternative for handling the cooling load of a building. In this work, the thermal performance of a cross-flow heat and mass exchanger (HMX) is enhanced by the addition of nanoparticles in the wet channel because they significantly influence the heat and mass transfer characteristics of the base fluid. A governing model for the temperature and humidity variations of the HMX is numerically simulated. Initial benchmarking is achieved using water properties. Afterward, a comparative study is conducted using aluminum-oxide-, copper-oxide-, and titanium-oxide-based nanofluids. Enhancements of 24.2% in heat flux, 19.24% in wet bulb effectiveness, 7.04% in dew point effectiveness, 29.66% in cooling capacity, and 28.43% in energy efficiency ratio are observed by using alumina-based nanofluid as compared to water in the wet channel of the cross-flow HMX. Furthermore, a particle volume concentration of 1% and a particle diameter of 20nm are recommended for maximum performance.