Computational Investigation of Heat Transfer of Nanofluids in Domestic Water Heat Exchanger

Abstract

Recent development of nanotechnology led to the concept of using suspended nanoparticles in the heat transfer fluids to improve the heat transfer properties of the base fluids. The heat transfer enhancement by nanofluids is the significant concern in the efficiency of domestic water heat exchanger system. A computational investigation of the heat transfer in a domestic water heat exchanger was conducted on the water and water-based nanofluids. Copper (Cu) and Alumina (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles were selected in the water-based nanofluids. Volume fraction of nanoparticle in the nanofluids was set at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 %, respectively. Heat exchanger was invented for the heat transfer from one medium to another in many heat transfer systems. Domestic water heat exchanger can be used in a heat pump domestic water heating system. The density, thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity of the water-based fluid were increased while the specific heat capacity of the water base fluid, reduced with the addition of Cu as well as Al₂O₃ nanoparticles. Addition of Cu nanoparticle into the water-based heat transfer fluid significantly increased the domestic hot water temperature. The efficiency of domestic water heat exchanger system was optimum when 1.5 % Cu or Al₂O₃ nanoparticles was added into the water-based heat transfer fluid.