Compound effect of EHD and nanofluid on flow boiling characteristics in minichannels

In this study, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) and nanofluid were synergistically employed to improve minichannel flow boiling. R141b, TiO 2 /R141b and TiO 2 /Span80/R141b nanofluids are employed as working fluids. Flow boiling characteristics in minichannels under electric field were evaluated experimentally. Laser confocal microscope was used to examine the effect of EHD and surfactant on nanofluid stability, particularly nanoparticle deposition on heated surfaces. Electric field can effectively enhance heat transfer, and the enhancement is more significant for nanofluids compared to pure fluid. Heat transfer performance is higher for TiO 2 /R141b than TiO 2 /Span80/R141b, while TiO 2 /Span80/R141b shows higher pressure drop than TiO 2 /R141b. The maximum enhancement ratio of 1.58 and 1.85 is found for TiO 2 /R141b and TiO 2 /Span80/R141b under electric field. Besides, heat transfer mechanism enhanced by EHD and nanofluid was discussed. Nanofluid stabilization induced by electric field and surfactant play crucial role in EHD enhancement for nanofluid. The findings suggest that TiO 2 /Span80/R141b nanofluid is well-suited for integration with EHD.