Evaluation of Heat Transfer Mechanisms in Heat Pipe Charged with Nanofluid

The nanofluid is a colloidal solid–liquid mixture obtained by the dispersing nanoparticles with a high heat transfer coefficient in the base fluid. In general, metal, metal oxide, ceramic and magnetic nanoparticles are used in nanofluids. The nanoparticles suspended in the base fluid of heat pipes effectively increased the heat transfer rate and thermal conductivity properties of the base fluid. The nanofluids have been found to be acting much better for some problems such as sedimentation, erosion, clogging and pressure drop compared to common slurries. The energy transfer is carried out by two-phase heat transfer mechanism in heat pipes. There are many parameters and factors that have an effect in the boiling heat transfer coefficient. It is not easy to understand the positive and negative changes caused by nanofluids in this complex heat transfer mechanism. The surface geometry is a significant indicator on the boiling heat transfer mechanism. Investigation into nanofluid effects besides the surface geometry is very important in the experimental studies. In addition, it is known that nanofluids change the properties of the heater surface, apart from the thermophysical properties. The synthesis methods of nanofluids are presented in this article. Then, the physical and chemical mechanisms determining the long-term stability of nanofluids are explained in detail. Finally, some useful information about the use of nanofluids in heat pipes and pool boiling of nanofluids is given. The presented study also describes the pool boiling mechanism of nanofluids to understand the positive effects of nanofluids on the heat pipes heat transfer mechanism.