Heat transfer enhancement and life cycle analysis of a Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger using stable CuO/water nanofluid

One of the major goals for engineers and designers in industrial processes has always been the optimization of Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers. Efficiency enhancement of heat exchangers has been investigated in this study maintaining lower overall cost and energy consumption. The stability, thermophysical properties, heat transfer performance and possible reduction of the effective area of a Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger operating with CuO/water nanofluid are investigated. Nanoparticle concentrations of 0.05, 0.1 and 0.3 vol% were used. A theoretical model was also developed along with the experimental study to validate the results. Results showed the convective heat transfer coefficient obtained in the case of operation with nanofluid is slightly higher compared to the basefluid for the same fluid inlet temperatures and mass flow rates. Experimental outcomes highlight the improvement of heat transfer due to nanofluids. Overall heat transfer coefficient increased by 7%, convective heat transfer increased by 11.39% and a reduction in the area of 6.81% was achieved. Life cycle analysis for the total energy, CO₂ emissions and the cost over the life (25 years) of the baseline was carried using Eco Audit CES Edu pack software. The results showed that the proposed new system is economically viable and environmentally friendly.