Thermo-economic and entropy generation analyses of magnetic natural convective flow in a nanofluid-filled annular enclosure fitted with fins

Abstract A numerical analysis on the thermo-natural convection as well as entropy generation of Al2O3-H2O nanofluid enclosed by two circular cylinders in the presence of magnetic fields was performed. The internal hot cylinder is fitted with rectangular fins of different lengths. Irreversibilities related to the thermal effects, friction effects, magnetic effects were considered. FEM was selected as solving method. Results described the impact of active parameters on the thermo-natural convective flow and heat transfer behaviour as well as entropy generation characteristics. In addition, a basic economic analysis has been proposed to consider the cost of nanofluids in comparison to their contribution in enhancing heat transfer rate. Results show that significant effects of pertinent parameters e.g. Rayleigh, Hartmann, and fins' size on flow, heat transfer, and irreversibilities within annulus. It is also found that for low Rayleigh, irreversibility related to thermo-effects is predominant within the annulus, and by augmenting Rayleigh values, the irreversibility due to the thermo-effects is no longer the key contributor to overall entropy production. The magnetic forces help to increase thermo-effects irreversibility contribution to overall irreversibilities. Finally, thermal transfer enhancement in case of the presence of magnetic forces is found to be more costly in terms of nanofluid utilization.