Theoretical modeling and optimization of microchannel heat sink cooling with TiO2-water and ZnO-water nanofluids

Abstract

This investigation intends to present a theoretical analysis, comparison and thermal optimization of a rectangular microchannel heat sink cooling by TiO2-water and ZnO-Water nanofluids. Nanofluids at volume fractions of 1%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% are applied to evaluate and enhance the performance of the microchannel heat sinks. Engineering Equation Solver (EES) is used for optimizing the performance of heat sink. The inclusion of nanoparticles in the base fluid consequences to the reduction in thermal resistance with concurrent growth inthe pumping power. The reduction is thermal resistance is more intense for ZnO-water nanofluids than TiO2-water nanofluids (0.0000170 Km2W-1 with TiO2-water and 0.0000136 Km2W-1with ZnO-water at 8%volume fraction). However, the pumping power needed for both the nanofluids at different volume fractions are found to be same (0.53W for both fluids at 8% volume fraction). The diminution of thermal resistance at same pumping power makes ZnO-water nanofluids a potential candidate than TiO2-water nanofluids. Heat sink made with material of high thermal conductivity showed superior cooling performance. Additionally, for identical operative condition, both the nanofluids achieve quicker cooling performance than water. Consequently, nanofluids should be regarded as the future of the cooling agents for electronic cooling embarking excellence in the field of thermal optimization technology.