In this paper, we consider the MHD mixed convection flows of copper (Cu)-water and silver (Ag)-water nanofluids through an L-shaped channel with a porous inner layer. Four heat-generating components are located on the channel wall opposite to the porous layer. A numerical solution of the governing equations with the given initial and boundary conditions is obtained using the polynomial pressure projection stabilized (PPPS) mixed finite element method. The effects of time, Darcy number, porosity, Reynolds number, Grash of number, Hartmann number, magnetic field orientation and solid volume fraction on the convective heat transfer within the channel are investigated. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.