Abstract
•Heat transfer and irreversibility of nanofluid is simulated.•Effect of turbulator on nanofluid flow is investigated via FVM.•Heat transfer augments with augment of b.•Exergy loss declines with rise of Re and b.
In this research, combined turbulator was proposed to achieve good thermal performance. Steady turbulent flow of copper oxide nanofluid with homogeneous model was simulated involving k-ɛ model. Among various geometric parameters, height of turbulator (b) has been selected and its variation as well as Reynolds number was demonstrated in outputs. Exergy loss as well as flow and heat transfer was analyzed. Augmenting b is capable of increasing heat transfer. More disturbances can be seen with augmenting inlet velocity. Exergy loss is inversely proportional to increase of pumping power.