Development of an enhanced liquid for electronic cooling

Development of NEPCM (Nanoparticle Encapsulated Phase Change Material) nanofluids using low melting temperature metals is a very pertinent area of research in the context of effective thermal management solutions. Compared to a pure fluid, these nanofluids have a higher heat capacity during the phase change and it is possible to improve the heat transfer, as a result of this phase change. To appreciate the merits, in terms of energy, an energy Performance Evaluation Criteria (PEC) has been defined as the ratio of heat transfer rate at fixed pumping power. The numerical results obtained show an improvement around 20% of this energetic criterion at low ΔT compared to the base fluid. A status of the development of these fluids in our laboratory is given in this paper. From an experimental point of view, a specific test loop has been developed in order to test thermo hydraulic performance in a controlled manner in laminar and turbulent conditions at imposed heat flux with a small volume of fluid (350 ml). The test loop was validated with pure water and the choice of materials used has been defined but not yet tested.