Heat transfer enhancement using ferrofluid under magnetic fields

The miniaturisation of electronic devices has resulted in the need for improved micro- and nanoscale heat transfer solutions. Various cooling techniques have been analysed in recent years, and the data suggests that forced convective and spray liquid cooling will play a crucial role in thermal management practices. Due to their unique properties, ferrofluids, known as magnetite nanofluids, have garnered interest as potential heat transfer solutions. These suspensions of magnetic nanoparticles in a liquid carrier can respond to external magnetic fields, altering their thermal properties and behaviour. This makes ferrofluids an attractive option for heat transfer, as they can be controlled and manipulated in ways impossible with conventional liquids. Based on this information, this thesis is divided into two main areas: convective heat transfer and droplet impingement using a ferrofluid. The goal is to understand the convective heat transfer characteristics of ferrofluids in a microchannel under a magnetic field and analyse the heat transfer of the ferrofluid droplets. Simulations and experimental studies have been used to determine the heat transfer performance of ferrofluids in a microchannel under different external magnetic fields. The impact of magnetic fields on the heat transfer characteristics of the ferrofluid droplets will be studied under microscale conditions. The droplets’ size and their impingement velocity will be controlled to ensure consistent conditions. The temperature of the solid surface has been measured to determine the heat transfer performance of the ferrofluid droplets. The results of this research provide insight into the impact of magnetic fields on the heat transfer characteristics of ferrofluids under microscale conditions. This information will be helpful for engineers and researchers in the field of thermal management, as it will provide a foundation for the design of more effective and efficient cooling systems for electronic devices.