TY - JOUR
TI - The 3-D analysis of cu-water nanofluid influence on thermal and hydraulic performance in a 30° baffled counterflow heat exchanger
AU - Baghni Hadjer
AU - Aliouane Imane
AU - Menni Younes
AU - Bayram Mustafa
AU - Ikumapayi Omolayo M
AU - Bayode Abiodun
AU - Ting Tin Tin
JN - Thermal Science
PY - 2025
VL - 29
IS - 4
SP - 3131
EP - 3138
PT - Article
AB - This study numerically analyzes a baffled counterflow heat exchanger with two  adjacent side-by-side rectangular channels separated by a thin aluminum  wall, allowing conductive heat transfer without fluid mixing. The hot  channel carries water, while the cold Cu-water nanofluid-flows in the  opposite direction. Transversal baffles, fixed in place at a 30° rotation  angle, are employed to enhance thermal performance by promoting secondary  flows and disrupting boundary-layers. Using the finite element method, the  effects of Reynolds number (500-2000) and nanoparticle volume fraction  (0%-4%) on flow structure, heat transfer, and pressure drop are  investigated. Results show that increasing the nanoparticle concentration  and flow rate improves thermal gradients and mixing intensity in both  channels. Despite a moderate increase in pressure drop, the system achieves  a maximum thermal efficiency of 35.75% under conditions of high  nanoparticle concentration and low Reynolds number, confirming the  effectiveness of combining nanofluids and geometric modifications for  enhancing thermal performance in compact systems.