Numerical Investigation and Comparison of Thermal Performance of Ferrofluid in Different Closed Loop Configurations

Abstract

This paper describes the free convection heat transfer capability of kerosene based ferrofluid flowing through a closed loop for assessing the thermal performance. Numerical investigations were performed using COMSOL Multi Physics 5.0 for comparing the heat transfer characteristics of ferrofluid flowing through three different closed loop geometrical configurations. The heat transfer performance of rectangular, oval and circular shape closed loop was evaluated under same input test conditions. Constant magnetic field was applied and time dependent numerical study was conducted for single-phase fluid flow. The fluid moves under the effect of Kelvin Body Force and maximum velocity of 5.68 mm/s has been found for oval shaped configuration. Temperature and velocity plots have been plotted for different lengths of time and results of investigation reveal that oval shaped configuration favors better output in terms of velocity generated and heat transfer.