Open-Loop Pulsating Heat Pipes Charged With Magnetic Nanofluids: Powerful Candidates for Future Electronic Coolers

Abstract

The present research proposes an effective method to enhance the heat transport capability of conventional electronic coolers and improve their thermal management. Pulsating heat pipes (PHPs) are outstanding heat transfer devices in the field of electronic cooling. In the present study, two sets of open-loop pulsating heat pipes (OLPHPs) for two different magnetic nanofluids (with and without surfactant) were fabricated and their thermal performance was experimentally investigated. Effects of working fluid (water and two types of magnetic nanofluids), heating power, charging ratio, nanofluid concentration, inclination angle, application of a magnetic field, and magnet location are described. Experimental results showed that magnetic nanofluids can improve the thermal performance of OLPHPs. Application of a magnetic field reduces the thermal resistance of OLPHPs charged with magnetic nanofluids. The optimum charging ratio and nanofluid concentration are reported. The best thermal performance of OLPHPs was observed when oriented 67.5° relative to the horizontal axis. The variation in magnet location in OLPHPs charged with magnetic nanofluids resulted in a heat pipe with variable thermal performance at a fixed heating power, charging ratio, and orientation. OLPHPs that are charged with magnetic nanofluids provide a path toward considerable improvement in electronic cooling technology.