Free convection analysis in a Γ-shaped heat exchanger using lattice Boltzmann method employing second law analysis and heatline visualization

Purpose The nanofluid flow and heat transfer within a heat exchanger, with different thermal arrangements of internal active bodies, are investigated. Design/methodology/approach For the numerical simulations, the lattice Boltzmann method is utilized. The KKL model is used to predict the dynamic viscosity of CuO-water nanofluid. Furthermore, the Brownian method is taken account using this model. The influence of shapes of nanoparticles on the heat transfer performance is considered. Findings The results show that the platelet nanoparticles render higher average Nusselt number showing better heat transfer performance. In order to perform comprehensive analysis, the heatline visualization, local and total entropy generation, local and average Nusselt variation are employed. Originality/value The originality of this work is carrying out a comprehensive investigation of nanofluid flow and heat transfer during natural convection using lattice Boltzmann method and employing second law analysis and heatline visualization.