Empirical correlation to analyze performance of shell and tube heat exchanger using TiO2 Nanofluid-DI water in solar water heater

Recent studies have examined the thermal stability and reliability of TiO2 nanofluid-based heat exchangers under long-term operation in solar water heating systems. This includes assessing nanoparticle sedimentation, agglomeration, and degradation over time, as well as their impact on heat transfer performance and system reliability. In this study heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of TiO2-DI-H2O (deionized water) nanofluid used in a shell and tube exchanger with different baffle angles under turbulent regimes were numerically explored. The proposed setup was run with nanoparticle concentration of 0 %–0.2 % and Reynolds numbers (Re) from 5000 to 15,000. Baffle angles of 10°, 20°, and 30° were chosen for turbulence analysis. It was observed that nanoparticle concentration strongly impacted the thermophysical properties. The results indicated that adding modest concentrations of TiO2 to DI-H2O significantly improves heat transfer and the Nu. At the Re of 5000 and 30° baffles, the Nu was 58; however, at the Re of 15,000, the Nu value was 88. The improvement in heat transfer of 62.85 %, 70.64 %, and 75.06 % was recorded for baffle angles of 10°, 20°, and 30° respectively, Furthermore, a notable increase in friction factor of 13.6 % at Re 15,000 was observed. However, the ideal baffle angle for maximum thermal performance is 30°. Finally, with shell temperature, it was established that 30° baffle orientation could provide the best h and Nu values and improve the overall performance of the heat exchanger. The obtained Nu was also compared with the existing correlations of literature in the turbulent regime with the aid of nanoparticles and presented for case applications.