Effects of CuO/water nanofluid application on thermal performance of mesh wick heat pipe

Abstract

The present investigation deals with the effect of CuO/water nanofluid on the thermal performance of a heat pipe. The impact of CuO/water nanofluid application on the heat pipe for a wider range of input power (50-150 W) and inclination angle (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90° from horizontal) have been analyzed. Experimental findings confirm 20.5% decrease in thermal resistance and 15.3% increment in thermal efficiency of the heat pipe compared to water. Maximum thermal efficiency (66.5%) of a heat pipe was obtained at 150 W and 1.0 vol.% of nanofluid in a horizontal position. Investigation establishes that a 30° inclination angle is the most favorable one for the optimum enhancement of thermal performance of a heat pipe. © 2020 by Begell House, Inc.