Efficacy of SiO2 nanofluids in a miniature plate heat exchanger with undulated surface

Abstract In a variety of applications, there is a clear need for an efficient and reliable heat management of high heat flux densities. In this study a miniature Plate Heat Exchanger ( PHE ) with modulated surface along with nanofluids used as working liquids is proposed aiming for a more compact and efficient cooling equipment for low-temperature applications. The suggested working fluid is a nanofluid, i.e. a 1% v/v aqueous dispersion of SiO 2 nanoparticles, which we have proved that can enhance heat transfer rate up to 35% compared to water. Relevant CFD simulations, also conducted during this study, have shown that for a given operating temperature less cooling liquid and consequently less pumping power is needed when this nanofluid is used instead of water. As the SiO 2 nanoparticles are relatively inexpensive and their nanofluids are easy to prepare, their use appears to be an attractive solution for mini-scale devices or low-power applications.