Heat Transfer Analysis of Dilute Magnetorheological Fluid in Turbulator
Assisted Concentric Tube Heat Exchanger
Abstract:
In the technology-based developing world, the transformer has a vital function in processing the
voltage for power utilization. The transmission of electrical energy produces heat in the windings
and core and it is dissipated through mineral oil, but under a high load condition, a high
temperature is reached in the windings making the mineral oil surrounding it aflame which
causes the transformer to break out. This action can be undone by enhancing the oil used in the
transformer for cooling purpose. It is detected by many research fellows that Ferro-fluid under
the influence of the magnet field enhances the heat transfer rate. Ferrofluid is a blend of base
fluid (mostly water or oil) and magnetic particles of microsize. The objective of this article is to
increase the heat transfer rate of transformer oil with a blend of MR fluid as 2%, 3% and 5% to
avoid the circuit fry and melt setting with and without the influence of magnetic field. The
obtained results show, that transformer oil with 5% blend has high heat transfer rate with or
without the influence of the magnetic field, but under the magnetic field influence, the heat
transfer rate is high when compared.
Keywords: Heat Transfer, Thermal Conductivity, Magnetorheological fluid, Transformer Oil
Counterflow.
1. Nomenclature:
L = length
V = Velocity
ρ = Density
ϑ = kinematic viscosity
Re = Reynolds Number
Pr = Prandtl Number
Nu = Nusselt number
U = Overall heat transfer coefficient
Q = Heat transfer rate
As = Surface area of the Heat exchanger
LMTD = Logarithmic mean temperature difference
Introduction:
Magnetorheological fluids (MRF) has (1-10 μm) micron sized, which are magnetically
controlled and distributed in a carrier liquid such as mineral oils, silicone oils, kerosene, water.
When subjected to the electromagnetic field the instantaneously changes from a free-flowing
liquid to semi-solid and vice versa. The interaction and magnetization of Ferro magnetic particles
under magnetic field externally leads to the formation of chain like structure [1-3]. Magnetic
particles can be differentiated based on their structure, for colloidal particle no structure
formation takes place but for chain-like structure, formation takes place [4]. Various metals,
ceramics and alloys can be utilized in MRF only if the particles are magnetically multi domain
and possess low level of magnetic coercivity [5]. Not only magnetic particles, anticorrosion
additives, surfactants, and base fluids are important factors also affect the rheological properties,
redispersibilty, and stability of the MRF fluid [6]. Rainbow et.al proposed that under an applied
magnetic field the viscosity and yield stress of MRF increases [7]. Yield stress can increase up to
100 kPa in a 40 vol% Fe based MR fluids [8].
The smart characteristics of MR fluids, such as rapid response time, adjustable viscosity, ability
to work in an extensive temperature gradient and high dynamic flow strength enable applications
such as suspension systems, brake clutch systems, optical finishing, shock absorbers, prostheses,
vibration damping and sealing systems [9-11]. Thermal engineering is another important field in
which MR fluids are utilized such as voice coil coolants for modern loudspeakers which depends
upon the heat transfer through suspensions. There are very few studies on the enhancement of
thermal conductivity of the magnetic fluid in the literature. Shulman et.al determined that up to
70% for 20 wt. % nickel based MRF in the direction of magnetic field there is a considerable
increase of thermal conductivity, whereas the 15% decrease is observed when the component
placed perpendicular to the magnetic field [12]. Li et.al proposed heat transfer rate increases for
iron and water based magnetic fluids under 60 gauss and 250 gauss of magnetic field
respectively [13]. Reinecke et al investigated and found that the anisotropic behaviour of the
thermal conductivity of iron-based MR suspensions under magnetic field [14]. Yildirm et.al
reported that by increasing the magnetic field and volume fraction from 50⁰C to 100⁰C FOR
134% ( 40 SM at H = 150 Gauss) the thermal conductivity increases [15]. Masaaki Motozawa
and co-workers reported 20% of the maximum increasing rate of heat transfer was acquired in
the laminar flow of the magnetic fluid by applying magnetic field [16].The present paper
describes the experimental results of heat transfer analysis of dilute MR fluid in concentric tube
heat exchanger under the magnetic influence. The Experiment mainly focuses on how the test
fluid behaves under magnetic field and no magnetic field. From the result obtained the Nusselt
number, overall heat transfer coefficient and effectiveness was calculated.
Materials and Methods:
MR fluid by AMT-SMAERTEC was used in this experiment which has 81% solid content of
fine Fe3O4 particles with settling resistance by the proven stabilizer in silicone oil. However,
because the MR fluid is too dense for our experiment, we diluted this magnetic fluid to 95
volume % with Transformer Oil as the test fluid. Transformer oil used as the base for the dilution
of MR fluid was purchased from the Tashkent Oil Company. Table 1 provides the value of MR
fluid, Transformer Oil and Test fluid.
Parameters MR fluid Transformer Test Fluid Test Fluid Test Fluid
Value Oil 2% 3% 5%
Density (g/cc) 3.152 0.91 0.95 1.11 1.44
Co-efficient of 0.65*10-3 7.4*10-3 7.22*10-3 7.2*10-3 7.06*10-3
thermal expansion
Specific heat @ 0.88 1.871 1.82 1.78 1.6
25⁰C (J/g⁰c)
Thermal 1.12 0.122 0.122 0.12 0.12
Conductivity(w/m⁰c)
Flash Point (⁰C) 154 136 140 140 142
Viscosity (Pa-sec) 0.41 0.02 0.033 0.05 0.066
Operable 153 147 147 147 150
temperature Range
(⁰C)
Thermal Diffusivity 4.037*10-7 7.165*10-8 7.056*10-8 6.073*10-8 5.208*10-8
Table 1 - Properties of MR fluid, Transformer Oil & Test fluid
The MR fluid and transformer oil were diluted using sonicator and the test fluid was prepared in
2%, 3% & 5%. The percentage represents the blend of magnetorheological fluid to the
transformer oil in volume. The finalized test fluid was tested using the concentric tube heat
exchanger setup with a magnet attached to the test section. The test was carried out by varying
the magnetic field and velocity. Two thermocouples are placed at the inlet and outlet of this test
section. Therefore, we can measure the temperature of the inner liquid at inlet Tin and outlet
Tout. Neodymium magnets were purchased for magnetic influence. The magnet has a strength of
500 mT (millitesla). Magnets were arranged on the test section for applying the magnetic field
strength over the test section in which the Test fluid containing magnetorheological fluid passes
through the inner copper tube. In the power transformer, the magnetic field strength varies
according to the load on it. As the load increase the magnetic field strength increase. Fig 1
illustrates the block diagram of the heat exchanger setup in which individual tanks are provided
for hot fluid inlet (Thi), outlet (Tho) and Cold fluid inlet (Tci), outlet (Tco). Two AC pumps with
discharge rate 3 lpm (litres per minute) were utilized for discharging fluid from the tank to the
test section. AC heater was used to heat the test fluid for different temperature. The flow rate was
controlled using flow meter and thermocouples were utilized to measure temperature. Copper
material was considered for the inner tube as it has good heat conducting value.
Magnet
Fig 1- Block diagram of the heat exchanger setup
Fig 2 - Heat exchanger setup
Fig 2 illustrates the fabricated heat exchanger setup according to the block diagram. The
inner tube of the heat exchanger is made up of copper material with diameter 0.02 m and the
outer tube is made up of mild steel with diameter 0.102 m and the length of the heat exchanger is
0.610 m. The Inlet velocity of the hot fluid for heat exchanger was calculated by similarity
analysis method. The transformer was taken as a prototype and the heat exchanger as a model.
The considered parameters are:
Parameters Prototype [ Transformer] Model [Heat Exchanger]
L (m) 1.02 0.610
V(m/s) 0.02 0.099
ρ ( Kg/m3) 910 1440
ϑ (m/s) 15.4*10 -6
4.58*10-5
The value for Nusselt number, Overall heat transfer coefficient and Effectiveness was
calculated using the following formulas
Nu = 0.023*(Re)0.8*(Pr)0.4
U = Q / As* LMTD
ɳ = ((Thi – Tho) / (Thi – Tci))*100
Result and Discussion:
The experimental analysis is carried out for four types of oils namely transformer oil,
transformer oil with 2% of MRF blend, transformer oil with 3% of MRF blend and transformer
oil with 5% of MRF blend by considering velocity as prime parameters with and without of
influence of magnetic field. The effects of both magnetic and non-magnetic are given below.
The main characteristics of oils considered as Nusselt number. The variation of Nusselt number
with respect to velocity is shown in Fig.3.
Velocity Vs Nusslet Number
8
6
Nusslet Number
Transformer Oil
4
2% Blend
3 3% Blend
5% Blend
2
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
Velocity (m/s)
Fig.3. The variation of Nusselt number with velocity.
The variation of Nusselt number is given above with respect to velocity. As the velocity
increases, Nusselt number goes on increasing for all four types of oils, because of Nusselt
number is directly proportional to the velocity of the fluid. As, the velocity of fluid increasing,
Nusselt number also increases. But the Nusselt number for 5% blend is appropriately higher than
the other three types of oils. The pure transformer oil has a lower significant effect than other
oils. So, MR fluid has a major effect in increasing heat transfer. As a percentage of blend
increases, the heat transfer rate will also increase.
The variation of transformer oil with and without the influence of the magnetic field is given
below with considering parameters as heat transfer, overall heat transfer and effectiveness with
respect to temperature.The variation of heat transfer with temperature is given below in Fig.4 and
Fig.5. under with and without the influence of the magnetic field.
Temperature Vs Heat Transfer
2500
2000
Heat Transfer (Watts)
1500
Transformer oil
2% Blend
1000
3% Blend
5% Blend
500
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Temperature
Fig.4. Variation of Heat transfer with temperature without magnetic field.
The variation of heat transfer with temperature under no magnetic field is given above in which
heat transfer rate is high for transformer oil with 5% blend comparing with other oils.
Temperature Vs Heat Transfer
2500
Heat Transfer (Watts)
2000
1500 Transformer Oil
1000 2% Blend
3% Blend
500
5% Blend
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Temperature
Fig.5. Variation of Heat Transfer with temperature with a magnetic field.
The variation of heat transfer with temperature under a magnetic field is given above in which
heat transfer rate is high for transformer oil with 5% blend comparing with other oils. Heat
transfer rate will increase with an increase in blend percentage of MR fluid in both magnetic and
non-magnetic but heat transfer rate is higher in a magnetic field because of conversion of molten
state in which heat transfer area will increases, as increases the heat transfer rate.
The variation of overall heat transfer with temperature is given below in Fig.6 and Fig.7. under
with and without the influence of the magnetic field.
Temperature Vs Overall Heat Transfer
1000
Overall Heat Transfer(W/m2C
800
600 Transformer Oil
400 2% Blend
200 3% Blend
0 5% Blend
0 20 40 60 80 100
Temperature
Fig.6. Variation of Overall Heat Transfer with Temperature without magnetic field.
The variation of overall heat transfer with temperature under no magnetic field is given above in
which heat transfer rate is high for transformer oil with 5% blend comparing with other oils.
Temperature Vs Overall Heat Transfer
2000
Overall Heat Transfer (W/m2K
1500
Transformer Oil
1000
2% Blend
500 3% Blend
5% Blend
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Temperature
Fig.7. Variation of Overall Heat Transfer with Temperature with a magnetic field.
The variation of overall heat transfer with temperature under a magnetic field is given above in
which overall heat transfer rate is high for transformer oil with 5% blend comparing with other
oils. Overall heat transfer rate will increase with an increase in blend percentage of MR fluid in
both magnetic and non-magnetic but overall heat transfer rate is higher in a magnetic field
because of conversion of molten state in which heat transfer area will increases, as increases the
overall heat transfer rate.The effectiveness of transformer oil under both magnetic and non-
magnetic field is given below in Fig.8 and Fig.9 with respect to temperature.
Effectiveness without Magnetic Field
100
90
80
70
Effectiveness
60 Transformer Oil
50
2% Blend
40
30 3% Blend
20 5% Blend
10
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Temperature
Fig.8. The effectiveness of Transformer Oil without Magnetic Field.
Effectiveness with Magnetic Field
100
80
Effectivenes
60 Transformer oil
40 2% Blend
20 3% Blend
5% Blend
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Temperature
Fig.9. The effectiveness of Transformer Oil with Magnetic Field.
The effectiveness of various transformer oil and its blends with respect to temperature is given
above Fig.8 and Fig.9. The effectiveness of 5% blend is high in both magnetic field and without
magnetic field because of its overall heat transfer rate is high by adding MR fluid, which causes
to increase the heat transfer area by which transfer rate is increasing in which increases the
effectiveness of transformer oil with 5% of MR fluid. By these, as increasing the percentage of
the blend, the heat transfer rate will increases.
Conclusion:
Heat transfer characteristics in the concentric tube heat exchanger of an MRF sujected to external
magnetic field have been investigated experimentally. Detailed measurement have been
performed in this experiment for the heat transfer of MRF diluted with transformer oil with
voulme percentage of 2%, 3% and 5%. Among the diluted volume percentage the 5% test fluid
showed a large increase of heat transfer coefficient under two conditon of magnetic and non
magnetic field. This is due to presence of magnetic particles, particularly the area under magnetic
the influence the particles arrange themselves around the magnetic field increasing the surface
area. It is observed that as the magnetic field increases the heat transfer increases. So it can be
concluded that magnetic field influences heat tranfer locally on the magnetic particles in the test
fluid.
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