Experimental investigation of the performance of the plate heat exchanger using (Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes–Al2O3/water) hybrid nanofluid

Abstract

Heat exchanger development is one of the issues where study continues because of its relevance in a variety of sectors. The utilization of hybrid nanofluids as a working fluid requires more investigation. The performance of plate heat exchangers (PHEs) employing hybrid nanofluid (multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)–Al2O3/water) with varying volume concentrations was investigated in an experimental investigation. The current study makes use of an Armfield PHE (HT32) with an Armfield heat exchange service unit (HT30X). In this investigation, three-volume concentrations were employed (0.5%, 1%, and 2%). A (MWCNTs/water) nanofluid with a volume concentration of 2% was prepared to compare with the hybrid nanofluid. The heated fluid (distilled water and nanofluids) has a Reynolds number of 100 to 800. By monitoring the variables, the overall heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop, friction factor, mean Nusselt number, and effectiveness could be computed. Based on the concentration of nanoparticles in the base fluid, the experimental findings revealed that hybrid nanofluids had a substantial impact on the heat transfer process. With increasing volume concentration, the overall heat coefficient, Nusselt number, and effectiveness increase. The volume concentration of nanoparticles determines the increase in the overall heat coefficient from 6% to 97% compared to pure distilled water. The increase in the hybrid nanofluids volume concentration leads to an increase in the pressure drop and the friction factor. The Nusselt number and the effectiveness increase with the increase of the volume concentrations and Reynolds number. Comparing the performance of the hybrid nanofluid and monoparticles nanofluid with the same concentration ratio, an improvement in performance was seen using hybrid fluids. An empirical correlation to calculate the Nusselt number for the hybrid nanofluid (MWCNTs–Al2O3/water) with the ratio of the particles (50:50) is obtained. It is possible to discover acceptable agreement by comparing the current study to earlier publications on this subject.