CFD modelling and thermal performance investigation of an industrial shell and tube heat exchanger operated with Al2O3 nanofluids

Heat exchangers play a vital role in numerous modern industries. In this study, water and Al2O3 nanofluids were utilized to investigate the thermal efficiency of an industrial heat exchanger, specifically designed with a shell and tube configuration. The goal was to assess whether the incorporation of nanofluids could enhance the heat exchanger’s performance and determine the optimal concentration of nanoparticles and coolant mixture for achieving improved thermal efficiency. To analyze the system, the finite volume method (FVM) was employed to discretize and solve the governing equations, and these simulations were carried out using the Multiphysics COMSOL program (v5.3). Remarkably, even with a marginal pressure difference of only 0.2 kPa, the introduction of Al2O3 nanoparticles at a 4% concentration in water resulted in an approximate 5% increase in the heat exchanger’s thermal efficiency.