Exergy Analysis of Graphene-Based Nanofluids in a Compact Heat Exchanger

Abstract

In this study, the exergy analysis of graphene-based nanofluids in a compact heat exchanger is examined. In experiments using distilled water as the base fluid, graphene nano-ribbon and graphene oxide nanofluids were used at 0.01% and 0.02% of the volume concentrations. The experiments were carried out at 36, 40, and 44 oC fluid inlet temperatures and 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9 m3/h mass flow rates. As a result of the calculations made for all temperature and flow rates, it was found that the exergy efficiency values of 0.01% by volume GO nanofluid were higher than the exergy efficiency of the other nanofluids used. Also, the exergy destruction values calculated for %0.01 GO were lower than the value of exergy destruction calculated for other nanofluids. It was concluded that the exergy efficiencies of nanofluids increased with the increase of the fluid flow rates and the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger. When the exergy efficiencies were compared according to the nanofluid concentrations, it was found that the exergy efficiencies decreased with the increase of the fluid concentration. It was examined that the exergy destruction values also increases with the increase of nanofluid flow rates, as well as exergy efficiency. When the exergy destructions were compared to the nanofluid concentrations, it was concluded that the exergy destructions increased with the increase of the nanofluid concentration. It was determined that the amount of increase in exergy destruction of GO nanofluid was higher than that of GNR.