Heat transfer characteristics and entropy generation analysis in a plate heat exchanger using ethylene glycol and water mixture‐based Al₂O₃ nanofluid

Abstract

The present study aims to study the heat transfer and entropy generation analysis in a plate heat exchanger by dispersing Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles into a water and ethylene glycol mixture (base fluid) of a 65:35 volume ratio. The study was carried out by varying the nanofluid concentration from 0.2 to 2 wt%. The effects of Peclet number and weight concentration of water:ethylene glycol-Al 2 O 3 nanofluid on heat transfer characteristics and entropy generation were investigated. The nanofluid and distilled water were considered as a cold medium and hot medium on the plate heat exchanger, respectively, for the experimental study. The study showed considerable improvement in convective heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number with the increase in nanofluid concentration. The study showed a 19.32% enhancement in overall heat transfer coefficient compared with base fluid at identical Peclet number. Pressure drop and pumping power were increased due to the addition of nanoparticles.