Louvered finned car radiator with MWCNT-SiO2 hybrid nanofluid: An experimental approach

Hybrid nanofluids acting as a coolant in the vehicle radiator will improve the thermo-physical properties and enhances the cooling capacity. In this article, MWCNT-SiO2-Ethylene Glycol-Water hybrid nanofluid has been used as the coolant and its effects in a louvered finned car radiator have been experimentally investigated. The base coolant contains 50% each of Ethylene Glycol and Water. Whereas the nano-coolant comprises 0.1% nanoparticles of MWCNT-SiO2 in the base coolant. A comparative study of the two has been carried out. The coolant flow rate was in the range of 5-20 l/min and frontal air velocity varies between 1 and 6 m/s. The temperature drop in hybrid nano-coolant was significantly larger than the base fluid for all cases. Temperature drop and coolant capacity have been evaluated. A 40% enhancement in temperature drop and rise in cooling power has been reported.