Heat transfer enhancement of nanofluids in a pulsating heat pipe for heat dissipation of LED lighting

The effect of nanofluids on the heat transfer performance of a pulsating heat pipe has been experimentally investigated. Water-based diamond nanofluid and aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) nanofluid were tested in the concentration range of 0.5-5%. The pulsating heat pipe was constructed using clear Pyrex tubes of 1.85 mm in inner diameter in order to visualize the pulsating action. The total number of turns was eight each for heated and cooled parts. The supply temperatures of heating water and cooling water were fixed at 80oC and 25℃ respectively. The liquid charging ratio of the nanofluid was 50-70%. The test results showed that the case of 5% concentration of diamond nanofluid showed 18% increase in heat transfer rate compared to pure water. The case of 0.5% concentration of Al₂O₃ nanofluid showed 24% increase in heat transfer rate compared to pure water. But the increase of Al₂O₃ nanofluid concentration up to 3% did not show further enhancement in heat transfer. It is also observed that the deposited nanoparticles on the tube wall played a major role in enhanced evaporation of working fluid and this could be the reason for the enhancement of heat transfer by a nanofluid, not the enhanced thermal conductivity of the nanofluid.