TiO₂/H₂O nanofluid flow and heat transfer analysis in V-pattern with combined protrusion obstacle square channel: experimental analysis and CFD validation

ABSTRACT

The article presents an experimental and numerical analysis of the effect of TiO₂–H₂O-based nanofluid flow and V-pattern protrusion rib on thermal and hydrodynamic performance in the square channel. The present geometry is selected as an integration of roughness and the nanofluid as the working medium so that better enhancement in heat transfer can be achieved with minimum pressure drop across the duct. The commercial finite volume-based CFD (computational fluid dynamics) code ANSYS Fluent is used to simulate turbulent nanofluid flow through the V-pattern protrusion ribbed square channel. The outcomes of 3D simulation are validated with the present experimental simulation outcomes and with existing well-established correlation. Detailed results about thermal and hydrodynamic performance in the V-pattern protrusion ribbed square channel are presented and discussed. The heat transfer and friction factor were evaluated for the optimum range of volume fraction, particle diameter, V-pattern protruded rib, and flow parameters. The thermohydraulic performance of the nanofluid flow square channel provided with V-pattern protruded rib is considerably enhanced. Comparison between experimental and CFD simulation results showed good agreement as the data that fell within ±6.0% error band.

KEYWORDS:

• Nanofluid flow
• heat transfer
• fluid flow
• energy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.