Experimental Studies to Determine the Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient in Plate Fin Heat Exchanger with MgO-CuO Based Hybrid Nano-Transformer Oil

International Journal of Mechanical Engineering |
© 2025 by SSRG - IJME Journal |
Volume 12 Issue 9 |
Year of Publication : 2025 |
Authors : Devireddy Sandhya, Thembelani Sithebe, Veeredhi Vasudeva Rao |
How to Cite?
Devireddy Sandhya, Thembelani Sithebe, Veeredhi Vasudeva Rao, "Experimental Studies to Determine the Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient in Plate Fin Heat Exchanger with MgO-CuO Based Hybrid Nano-Transformer Oil," SSRG International Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. 12, no. 9, pp. 1-14, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488360/IJME-V12I9P101
Abstract:
In this experimental investigation, thermal performance and overall heat transfer coefficient of MgO-CuO based hybrid nano-transformer oil are determined using a special test rig developed for this purpose. MgO-CuO based hybrid nano transformer oil is prepared and characterized for its thermo-physical properties. Volume concentrations considered are in the range of 0.002% to 0.012% for the candidate hybrid nano transformer oil. The Reynolds number varies from 85 to 1140. In this investigation, 240 data points are collected and analysed. The results of all data points are presented in graphical form. The overall heat transfer coefficient is presented as a function of mass flow rate and mean bulk temperature of the nano-fluid. The non-dimensional heat transfer coefficient, Nu, is presented as a function of Reynolds number, taking volume concentration as a parameter. It is concluded that nano-particle dispersion improved the overall heat transfer coefficient to an extent of 110 to 113% with reference to the base fluid. The estimated uncertainty in the measurements is found to be less than 5%. Therefore, MgO-CuO hybrid nano transformer oil is found to be a potential candidate for use in the transformer industry.
Keywords:
Heat transfer coefficient, MgO-CuO, Hybrid nano transformer oil, Plate fin heat exchangers, Thermal performance, Transformer oil.
References:
[1] Stephen U.S. Choi, and J.A. Eastman, “Enhancing Thermal Conductivity of Fluids with Nanoparticles,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition, San Francisco, CA, pp. 1-8, 1995.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[2] Alibakhsh Kasaeian et al., “Nanofluid Flow and Heat Transfer in Porous Media: A Review of the Latest Developments,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 107, pp. 778-791, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[3] Afshin Ahmadi Nadooshan, Hamed Eshgarf, and Masoud Afrand, “Evaluating the Effects of Different Parameters on Rheological Behavior of Nanofluids: A Comprehensive Review,” Powder Technology, vol. 338, pp. 342-353, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[4] Ebrahim Dardan, Masoud Afrand, and A.H. Meghdadi Isfahani, “Effect of Suspending Hybrid Nano-Additives on Rheological Behavior of Engine Oil and Pumping Power,” Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 109, pp. 524-534, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[5] Farzad Pourfattah et al., “The Numerical Investigation of Angle of Attack of Inclined Rectangular Rib on the Turbulent Heat Transfer of Water-Al2O3 Nanofluid in a Tube,” International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, vol. 131-132, pp. 1106-1116, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[6] Gabriela Huminic, and Angel Huminic, “Heat Transfer Capability of the Hybrid Nanofluids for Heat Transfer Applications,” Journal of Molecular Liquids, vol. 272, pp. 857-870, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[7] Gaweł Żyła, “Viscosity and Thermal Conductivity of MgO–EG Nanofluids,” Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, vol. 129, pp. 171-180, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[8] J.A. Esfahani et al., “Comparison of Experimental Data, Modelling and Non-Linear Regression on Transport Properties of Mineral Oil Based Nanofluids,” Powder Technology, vol. 317, pp. 458-470, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[9] Kazem Bashirnezhad et al., “Viscosity of Nanofluids: A Review of Recent Experimental Studies,” International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 73, pp. 114-123, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[10] Kazem Motahari, Mohammad Abdollahi Moghaddam, and Mojtaba Moradian, “Experimental Investigation and Development of New Correlation for Influences of Temperature and Concentration on Dynamic Viscosity of MWCNT-SiO2 (20-80)/20W50 Hybrid Nano-Lubricant,” Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 152-158, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[11] Marjan Goodarzi et al., “Experimental Evaluation of Dynamic Viscosity of ZnO–MWCNTs/Engine Oil Hybrid Nanolubricant Based on Changes in Temperature and Concentration,” Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, vol. 136, pp. 513-525, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[12] Mohammad Hemmat Esfe, Ali Akbar Abbasian Arani, and Saeed Esfandeh, “Experimental Study on Rheological Behavior of Monograde Heavy-Duty Engine Oil Containing CNTs and Oxide Nanoparticles with Focus on Viscosity Analysis,” Journal of Molecular Liquids, vol. 272, pp. 319-329, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[13] Mohammad Hemmat Esfe et al., “Modeling and Prediction of Rheological Behavior of Al O -MWCNT/5W50 Hybrid Nano-Lubricant by Artificial Neural Network using Experimental Data,” Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, vol. 510, pp. 625-634, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[14] Mohammad Hemmat Esfe et al., “An Experimental Study on Viscosity of Alumina-Engine Oil: Effects of Temperature and Nanoparticles Concentration,” International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 76, pp. 202-208, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[15] Mohammad Hemmat Esfe et al., “Examination of Rheological Behavior of MWCNTs/ZnO-SAE40 Hybrid Nano-Lubricants under Various Temperatures and Solid Volume Fractions,” Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, vol. 80, pp. 384-390, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[16] Mohammad Hemmat Esfe et al., “Effects of Temperature and Concentration on Rheological Behavior of MWCNTs/SiO2(20–80)-SAE40 Hybrid Nano-Lubricant,” International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 76, pp. 133-138, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[17] Mohammad Hemmat Esfe, Seyfolah Saedodin, and Amin Asadi, “An Empirical Investigation on the Dynamic Viscosity of Mg(OH)2- Ethylene Glycol in Different Solid Concentrations and Proposing New Correlation Based on Experimental Data,” International Journal of Natural and Engineering Sciences, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 29-34, 2014.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[18] Omid Rezaei et al., “The Numerical Investigation of Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop of Turbulent Flow in a Triangular Microchannel,” Physica E: Low-Dimensional Systems and Nanostructures, vol. 93, pp. 179-189, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[19] Rodrigo Vidonscky Pinto, and Flávio Augusto Sanzovo Fiorelli, “Review of the Mechanisms Responsible for Heat Transfer Enhancement Using Nanofluids,” Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 108, pp. 720-739, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[20] M.M. Elias et al., “Experimental Investigation on the Thermo-Physical Properties of Al2O3 Nanoparticles Suspended in Car Radiator Coolant,” International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 54, pp. 48-53, 2014.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[21] Ali J. Chamkha et al., “On the Nanofluids Applications in Microchannels: A Comprehensive Review,” Powder Technology, vol. 332, pp. 287-322, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[22] G. Colangelo et al., “Cooling of Electronic Devices: Nanofluids Contribution,” Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 127, pp. 421-435, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[23] Yimin Xuan, and Qiang Li, “Heat Transfer Enhancement of Nanofluids,” International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 58-64, 2000.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[24] M. Saeedinia, M.A. Akhavan-Behabadi, and P. Razi, “Thermal and Rheological Characteristics of CuO–Base Oil Nanofluid Flow Inside a Circular Tube,” International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 152-159, 2012.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[25] Amir Beheshti, Mehdi Shanbedi, and Saeed Zeinali Heris, “Heat Transfer and Rheological Properties of Transformer Oil-Oxidized MWCNT Nanofluid,” Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, vol. 118, pp. 1451-1460, 2014.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[26] Meisam Asadi, and Amin Asadi, “Dynamic Viscosity of MWCNT/ZnO–Engine Oil Hybrid Nanofluid: An Experimental Investigation and New Correlation in Different Temperatures and Solid Concentrations,” International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 76, pp. 41-45, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[27] Masoud Afrand, Karim Nazari Najafabadi, and Mohammad Akbari, “Effects of Temperature and Solid Volume Fraction on Viscosity of SiO2-MWCNTs/SAE40 Hybrid Nanofluid as a Coolant and Lubricant in Heat Engines,” Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 102, pp. 45-54, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[28] Ehsan-o-Llah Ettefaghi et al., “Preparation and Thermal Properties of Oil-based Nanofluid from Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Engine oil as Nano-Lubricant,” International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 46, pp. 142-147, 2013.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[29] Amin Asadi et al., “The Effect of Temperature and Solid Concentration on Dynamic Viscosity of MWCNT/MgO (20–80)–SAE50 Hybrid Nano-Lubricant and Proposing a New Correlation: An Experimental Study,” International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 78, pp. 48-53, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[30] Ehsan-o-llah Ettefaghi et al., “Thermal and Rheological Properties of Oil-Based Nanofluids from Different Carbon Nanostructures,” International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 48, pp. 178-182, 2013.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[31] Baojie Wei et al., “Thermo-Physical Property Evaluation of Diathermic Oil Based Hybrid Nanofluids for Heat Transfer Applications,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 107, pp. 281-287, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[32] Hamid Salimi-Yasar et al., “Experimental Investigation of Thermal Properties of Cutting Fluid Using Soluble Oil-Based TiO2 Nanofluid,” Powder Technology, vol. 310, pp. 213-220, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[33] Hessam Taherian, Jorge L. Alvarado, and Ehsan M. Languri, “Enhanced Thermophysical Properties of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Based Nanofluids. Part 1: Critical Review,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 82, pp. 4326-4336, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[34] M. Fakoor Pakdaman, M.A. Akhavan-Behabadi, and P. Razi, “An Experimental Investigation on Thermo-Physical Properties and Overall Performance of MWCNT/Heat Transfer Oil Nanofluid Flow Inside Vertical Helically Coiled Tubes,” Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, vol. 40, pp. 103-111, 2012.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[35] Madhusree Kole, and T.K. Dey, “Enhanced Thermophysical Properties of Copper Nanoparticles Dispersed in Gear Oil,” Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 56, no. 1-2, pp. 45-53, 2013.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[36] Wenjing Li, Changjun Zou, and Xiaoke Li, “Thermo-Physical Properties of Waste Cooking Oil-Based Nanofluids,” Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 112, pp. 784-792, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[37] Xiaoke Li et al., “Experimental Study on the Thermo-Physical Properties of Diathermic Oil Based SiC Nanofluids for High Temperature Applications,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 97, pp. 631-637, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[38] Pritam Kumar Das, “A Review Based on the Effect and Mechanism of Thermal Conductivity of Normal Nanofluids and Hybrid Nanofluids,” Journal of Molecular Liquids, vol. 240, pp. 420-446, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[39] Farzin Mashali et al., “Thermo-Physical Properties of Diamond Nanofluids: A Review,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 129, pp. 1123-1135, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[40] Sadegh Aberoumand, and Amin Jafarimoghaddam, “Experimental Study on Synthesis, Stability, Thermal Conductivity and Viscosity of Cu–Engine Oil Nanofluid,” Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers, vol. 71, pp. 315-322, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[41] Sadegh Aberoumand et al., “Experimental Study on the Rheological Behavior of Silver-Heat Transfer Oil Nanofluid and Suggesting Two Empirical Based Correlations for Thermal Conductivity and Viscosity of Oil Based Nanofluids,” Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 101, pp. 362-372, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[42] Amin Asadi et al., “An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation on Heat Transfer Capability of Mg (OH)2/MWCNT-Engine Oil Hybrid Nano-Lubricant Adopted as a Coolant and Lubricant Fluid,” Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 129, pp. 577-586, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[43] Amin Asadi et al., “Heat Transfer Efficiency of Al2O3-MWCNT/Thermal Oil Hybrid Nanofluid as a Cooling Fluid in Thermal and Energy Management Applications: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 117, pp. 474-486, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[44] Bock Choon Pak, and Young I. Cho, “Hydrodynamic and Heat Transfer Study of Dispersed Fluids with Submicron Metallic Oxide Particles,” Experimental Heat Transfer: A Journal of Thermal Energy Generation, Transport, Storage, and Conversion, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 151-170, 1998.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[45] Behrouz Takabi, and Saeed Salehi, “Augmentation of the Heat Transfer Performance of a Sinusoidal Corrugated Enclosure by Employing Hybrid Nanofluid,” Advances in Mechanical Engineering, vol. 6, pp. 1-16, 2014.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[46] A. Einstein, “A New Determination of Molecular Dimensions,” Annals of Physics, vol. 324, no. 2, pp. 289-306, 1906.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[47] Xinwei Wang, Xianfan Xu, and Stephen U.S. Choi, “Thermal Conductivity of Nanoparticle - Fluid Mixture,” Journal of Thermophysics and Heat Transfer, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 474-480, 1999.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[48] G.K. Batchelor, “The Effect of Brownian Motion on the Bulk Stress in a Suspension of Spherical Particles,” Journal of Fluid Mechanics, vol. 83, no. 1, pp. 97-117, 1977.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[49] C.J. Ho et al., “Preparation and Properties of Hybrid Water-Based Suspension of Al2O3 Nanoparticles and MEPCM Particles as Functional Forced Convection Fluid,” International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 37, no. 5, pp. 490-494, 2010.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[50] C.T. Nguyen et al., “Temperature and Particle-size Dependent Viscosity Data for Water-Based Nanofluids – Hysteresis Phenomenon,” International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, vol. 28, no. 6, pp. 1492-1506, 2007.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[51] F.F. Mamedov, F.A. Kuliev, and A.G. Azizov, “Thermophysical Properties of Transformer and Turbine Oils,” Chemistry and Technology of Fuels and Oils, vol. 35, pp. 365-369, 1999.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[52] Gabriela Huminic, and Angel Huminic, “The Influence of Hybrid Nanofluids on the Performances of Elliptical Tube: Recent Research and Numerical Study,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 129, pp. 132-143, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[53] Meysam Nazari, Samad Jafarmadar, and Scott Gohery, “Convective Heat Transfer Behavior and AC Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of Electric Power Transformer Oil with Magnetic Colloidal Nano-Fluid: An Experimental Study,” Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, vol. 45, pp. 1-8, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[54] A. Kamyar, R. Saidur, and M. Hasanuzzaman, “Application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for Nanofluids,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 55, no. 15-16, pp. 4104-4115, 2012.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[55] Ebrahim Dardan, Masoud Afrand, and A.H. Meghdadi Isfahani, “Effect of Suspending Hybrid Nano-Additives on Rheological Behavior of Engine Oil and Pumping Power,” Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 109, pp. 524-534, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[56] Amin Asadi, and Farzad Pourfattah, “Heat Transfer Performance of Two Oil-Based Nanofluids Containing ZnO and MgO Nanoparticles; A Comparative Experimental Investigation,” Powder Technology, vol. 343, pp. 296-308, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]