Comparative characterization of entropy and heat transfer in carbon-based magnetohydrodynamic Cross nanofluids flowing through PTSCs: advancing thermal applications for solar-powered aircraft

Abstract

The integration of solar energy into aero-technology has emerged as a pivotal solution to meet the escalating energy demands of contemporary societies. This study explores the potential of solar power in aerospace, aiming to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, diminish reliance on environmentally harmful energy sources, and enhance overall industry energy efficiency. The investigation focuses on the integration of solar energy into aero-technology using parabolic trough solar collectors (PTSCs) embedded in aircraft. Particularly, the study delves into the flow and thermal aspects of ethylene glycol magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Cross nanofluids, in combination with three distinct carbon-based nanoparticles – namely graphene, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and single-walled Carbon NanoTubes (SWCNTs) – within the PTSC, which are situated in various sections of the aircraft. Evaluating heat efficiency and heat transfer involves considering various physical phenomena. The results reveal significant enhancements, as observed in the magnetohydrodynamic flow of Cross nanofluids incorporating graphene, MWCNTs, and SWCNTs, where we demonstrate relative increases in maximum heat performance by 35.1009%, 49.9765%, and 67.6678%, respectively. Additionally, the absolute value of the skin friction coefficient showed respective relative increases of 65.2767%, 58.31438%, and 66.4392%. Furthermore, the heat transfer exhibited respective relative increases of 58.3686%, 51.3771%, and 43.0085%.