Recent Achievements in Heat Transfer Enhancement with Hybrid Nanofluid in Heat Exchangers: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The potential of hybrid nanofluids to boost thermal efficiency of heat exchanger systems is the focus of this review study. The primary focus is on addressing the associated issues of nanoparticle clumping, system obstruction, and reduced efficacy of heat exchanger due to increased fluid thickness. Accordingly, this review intends to demonstrate the innovative practices (experimentally and theoretically) that helps improving the heat transfer and thermal performance of heat exchangers. In this regard, a critical analysis is conducted to appraise the experimental and numerical simulations, which introduce the impact of different nanoparticle concentrations and compositions on heat exchanger thermal performance. The findings of this review has shown that the hybrid nanofluid of CuO–Cu/water has the greatest thermal performance factor (1.065), following Al₂O₃–Cu/water (1.055), and Cu–TiO₂/water (1.039). Also, the utilization of turbulator heat exchangers has enabled improving the thermal performance by 126 % with a 6 % rise in volume fraction at the maximum Reynolds number. This study underlines the need for further research into novel nanomaterial combinations, fine-tuning of fluid characteristic, and comprehensive stability assessments to enhance the utilization of hybrid nanofluids in heat exchanger systems. Finally, discussions of limitations associated with such systems and proposed potential solutions will lead to a valuable contribution in the possible future development of cost-effective heat exchanger systems.