Numerical optimization of heat transfer enhancement in a wavy channel using nanofluids

The numerical results with a single-phase model are first validated with the available data in the literature. The maximum discrepancy is within 8%. Results of a further extension to a two phase model are also validated. The numerical results indicate that the thermal enhancement can achieve 15%, 24% in the wavy channel flow compared with pure fluid, with the particle volume concentration of ϕ = 3% and ϕ = 5% of Cu/water nanofluids. In addition, after the validation of the numerical results, the numerical optimization of this problem is also presented by using a full factorial experimental design and the genetic algorithm (GA) method. The objective function E which is defined as thermal performance factor has developed a correlation function with three design parameters. The predicting performance factor E (α = 0.278, β = 3, ϕ = 5%) of regression function is closely agreed with those from the CFD computational results within 4.6% difference. The combination of parameters is considered as the optimal solution.