Experimental Studies to Determine the Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient in Plate Fin Heat Exchanger with MgO-CuO Based Hybrid Nano-Transformer Oil

In this experimental investigation, thermal performance and overall heat transfer coefficient of MgO-CuO based hybrid nano-transformer oil are determined using a special test rig developed for this purpose. MgO-CuO based hybrid nano transformer oil is prepared and characterized for its thermo-physical properties. Volume concentrations considered are in the range of 0.002% to 0.012% for the candidate hybrid nano transformer oil. The Reynolds number varies from 85 to 1140. In this investigation, 240 data points are collected and analysed. The results of all data points are presented in graphical form. The overall heat transfer coefficient is presented as a function of mass flow rate and mean bulk temperature of the nano-fluid. The non-dimensional heat transfer coefficient, Nu, is presented as a function of Reynolds number, taking volume concentration as a parameter. It is concluded that nano-particle dispersion improved the overall heat transfer coefficient to an extent of 110 to 113% with reference to the base fluid. The estimated uncertainty in the measurements is found to be less than 5%. Therefore, MgO-CuO hybrid nano transformer oil is found to be a potential candidate for use in the transformer industry.