Enhancing performance of a radiator of electronic cooling system using Carbon Nanotube based nanofluids

This paper deals with the experimental comparison of forced convective heat transfer coefficient of CNT based nanofluids with the pure water in radiator which can be used for cooling of super computer. Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) based nanofluids with concentrations of 0.1% and 0.2% volume fractions have been used as test fluids. The liquid flow rate, ranging from 2-6 liter per minute (LPM) has been used. A down flow type radiator made of copper having 98 vertical tubes with elliptical cross-section is used for the present study. With a view to obtain more reliable data, the effect of inlet temperature on the heat transfer coefficient has also been investigated by controlling and varying the inlet temperature in the range of 45-60°C. The results reveal the fact that increase in the nano particle concentration enhances the heat transfer rate to larger extent and the variation of inlet temperature does not cause any noticeable effect. Increasing the flow rate also increases the heat transfer coefficient to some extent. Incorporation of CNT nanoparticle in electronic cooling system has proved to enhance heat transfer properties by 20% and thus can help in enhancing the efficiency of heat transfer systems.