Eur. Phys. J. Plus (2017) 132: 197
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/i2017-11455-3

Regular Article

Experimental analysis to improving thermosyphon (TPCT) thermal efficiency using nanoparticles/based fluids (water)

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, West Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran

^* e-mail: sahebii@yahoo.com

Received: 16 November 2015
Accepted: 15 March 2017
Published online: 2 May 2017

Abstract

In the present study an experimental set-up is used to investigate the effect of a nanofluid as a working fluid to increase thermosyphon efficiency. Nanofluids are a new form of heat transfer media prepared by suspending metallic and nonmetallic nanoparticles in a base fluid. The nanoparticles added to the fluid enhance the thermal characteristics of the base fluid. The nanofluid used in this experiment was a mixture of water and nanoparticles prepared with 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, or 2% (v) concentration of silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles and 1%, 2% and 3% (v) concentration of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) in an ultrasonic homogenizer. The results indicate that the SiC/water and Al₂O₃/water nanofluids increase the thermosyphon performance. The efficiency of the thermosyphon using the 2% (v) (SiC) nanoparticles nanofluid was 1.11 times that of pure water and the highest efficiency occurs for the 3% (Al₂O₃) nanoparticle concentration with input power of 300 W. The decrease in the temperature difference between the condenser and evaporator confirms these enhancements.