Features of thermal radiation and tri-hybrid nanofluids in solar-powered tractors using a parabolic trough solar collector with entropy generation effects

Abstract

The global shift towards sustainable and renewable energy sources has intensified interest in enhancing the efficiency of agricultural technologies, particularly solar-powered systems. Among these, solar-powered tractors integrated with parabolic trough solar collectors (PTSCs) present a promising solution for eco-friendly farming operations. However, optimizing their thermal performance remains a critical challenge. This study investigates the thermal characteristics and entropy generation behavior in PTSCs utilizing tri-hybrid nanofluids specifically copper (Cu), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), and silver (Ag) nanoparticles dispersed in ethylene glycol as working fluids. Tri-hybrid nanofluids are known to significantly improve thermal conductivity and heat transfer rates compared to conventional fluids and mono nanofluids, making them ideal candidates for advanced solar thermal systems. The analysis incorporates the effects of thermal radiation and nonlinear convective heat transfer under varying flow and thermal conditions. A comprehensive mathematical model is developed, accounting for viscous dissipation, thermal radiation, slip and irreversibility's associated with entropy generation. The governing equations are transformed using similarity transformations and solved numerically via the Galerkin Method. The results highlight the impact of the thermophysical properties of the tri-hybrid nanofluid on entropy minimization and heat transport enhancement. Results reveal that increasing the concentration of tri-hybrid nanoparticles significantly enhances the thermal performance of the system, while also affecting the entropy generation rate. Also, the thermal radiation parameter significantly enhances fluid temperature. These findings offer valuable insights into the thermodynamic optimization of solar agricultural machinery, supporting the development of more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly farming practices.