Study on the Transient and Stability Behaviour of a Boiling Two-Phase Natural Circulation Loop With Al2O3 Nanofluids

Abstract

The transient and stability behaviour of a two-phase natural circulation loop with water and 1 % by wt. Al2O3 nanofluid have been experimentally investigated in a natural circulation loop at different operating pressures and powers. The test results revealed that in single phase condition the natural circulation flow behaviour is similar with water and Al2O3 nanofluid, however, the buoyancy induced flow rates are found to be relatively higher with nanofluid than with water alone for corresponding operating conditions. In addition, with nanofluid, the boiling induced Type I flow instabilities are found to be significantly suppressed and boiling is induced at lower power than with water for the corresponding operating condition.