Optimizing heat management of nanofluids' thermal transfer

Nowadays, in various industry applications, nanofluids have been implemented to improve the process of thermal rate. This study explores, by using the lattice Boltzmann method, natural convection thermal transfer optimization in different enclosures in the presence of a heated source and obstacle effects commonly used in chemical reactors, electronic cooling, heat exchangers, and thermal storage tools. The main focus is to examine the consequences of radiative mono/hybrid nanofluids; different solid nanoparticles dispersed in water, on thermal transfer in an enclosure. This study deals with the effects of mono/hybrid nanofluids on natural convection and thermal transmission enhancement of fluid in a cabinet having a local heat source in the enclosure center and two thermally insulated obstacles, which are placed in the enclosure at different positions. The analysis was conducted on various parameters spanning wide ranges, including nanoparticles' volume fraction, type of nanofluid (mono or hybrid), presence of a heated source and its position, and Rayleigh numbers on hydro- and thermodynamics. The influences of these factors on heat transfer, flow patterns, and velocities were analyzed. It has been revealed that a growth in the percentage of nanoparticles and Rayleigh number improves momentum and thermal transfer rate. In addition, the hybrid nanofluid Al₂O₃-Cu/H₂O demonstrates an extensive enhancement in natural convection heat transfer performance compared to other types of hybrid nanofluids.