Numerical analysis of mixed convection characteristics inside a ventilated cavity including the effects of nanoparticle suspensions

A numerical study of mixed convection flow and heat transfer inside a square cavity with inlet and outlet ports is performed. The position of the inlet port is fixed but the location of the outlet port is varied along the four walls of the cavity to investigate the best position corresponding to maximum heat transfer rate and minimum pressure drop in the cavity. It is seen that the overall Nusselt number and pressure drop coefficient vary drastically depending on the Reynolds and Richardson numbers and the position of the outlet port. As the Richardson number increases, the overall Nusselt number generally rises for all cases investigated. It is deduced that placing the outlet port on the right side of the top wall is the best position that leads to the greatest overall Nusselt number and lower pressure drop coefficient. Finally, the effects of nanoparticles on heat transfer are investigated for the best position of the outlet port. It is found that an enhancement of heat transfer and pressure drop is seen in the presence of nanoparticles and augments with solid volume fraction of the nanofluid. It is also observed that the effects of nanoparticles on heat transfer at low Richardson numbers is more than that of high Richardson numbers. © 2017 Society of Thermal Engineers of Serbia.