Smart Computer Cooling with Nanofluids

June 29, 2022

The goal of the research is to experimentally assess the cooling performance of aqueous suspensions of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), applied to commercial computer cooling systems. Five samples were prepared (volume fraction = 0.00040; 0.00020; 0.00015; 0.00010; 0.00005) to which the surfactant, SDBS was added, in the proportion of particles : surfactant 0.5 : 1 (mass ratio) and subjected to ultrasonication for 40 minutes, at a power of 130W. A liquid cooling system was assembled on a computer, whose heat source is the CPU. The heat transfer coefficient change (h_inc) and the head (pressure) losses (p_loss) of the tested nanofluids relative to the base fluid (distilled water) were determined. To this end, the flow-rate value, the waterblock and CPU inlet/outlet temperatures were measured. These tests were performed for 50; 70; and 90% of the pump's maximum rotation speed. Despite the apparent stability after 7 days, the visual analysis of the containers in the inverted position revealed the existence of precipitation. It was also observed a decrease in the density of the samples, as well as an increase in the pressure drop after each experiment. The deposition led to two major effects: flow reduction, increased thermal resistance and, consequently, reduced heat transfer coefficient (HTC). There was a maximum HTC increase of 12.74% (volume fraction = 0.00020), in the first of a series of tests, justified by the lower surface deposition. MWCNT nanofluids exhibit potential for computer cooling if the system and/or suspensions are improved to achieve reduced surface deposition.

Authors in the community:

• 

  M

  Miguel Constantino Carmo Sousa

  ist425608

Supervisors of this institution:

• 

  A

  António Luís Nobre Moreira

  ist12089

• 

  S

  S M Sohel Murshed

  ist428175

mechanical-engineering - Mechanical engineering

por - Portuguese

Instituto Superior Técnico