Modeling of thermal performance of a nanofluid-filled loop heat pipe for battery thermal management in electric vehicles

An analytical model is developed to determine the thermal performance of a nanofluid-filled copper loop heat pipe for battery thermal management in electric vehicles. Modeling the heat transfer in the evaporator is particularly considered, and the heat transfer coefficient of evaporation is determined from a dimensionless correlation that is developed based on experimental data. The working nanofluid is composed of de-ionized water and copper nanoparticles. The thermal performances of the LHP are predicted for different concentrations, and it is demonstrated that the heat transport capacity of the LHP is enhanced and the evaporator temperature is deceased by augmenting the nanoparticle concentration.