USING MULTI-WALL CARBON NANOTUBE (MWCNT) BASED NANOFLUID IN THE HEAT PIPE TO GET BETTER THERMAL PERFORMANCE

Abstract

In this study, thermal performance of a cylindrical heat pipe is investigated numerically. Three different types of water based nanofluids, namely (Al2O3+Water), (Diamond+Water) and (Multi-Wall Carbon Nano tube (MWCNT) +Water) have been used. The influence of using the simple nanofluids and MWCNT nanofluid on the heat pipe characteristics such as liquid velocity, pressure profile, temperature profile, thermal resistance and heat transfer coefficient of heat pipe have been studied. A new correlation developed by Bakhshan and Saljooghi, for viscosity of nanofluids has been implemented. The results show good agreement with the available analytical and experimental data. Also, the MWCNT based nanofluid has lower thermal resistance, higher heat transfer coefficient and lower temperature difference between evaporator and condenser sections, so it has good thermal specifications as a working fluid for use in heat pipes. The prepared code has capability for parametric studies also.