Heat Transfer Fluids for Concentrated Solar Power: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Solar energy has emerged as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, addressing the growing global demand for clean and renewable energy sources. Among the various solar technologies, Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems play a pivotal role in large-scale electricity generation by utilizing mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver. One of the critical components of CSP systems is the Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF), responsible for efficiently transporting and storing thermal energy. The performance of HTFs significantly impacts the efficiency and feasibility of CSP plants, making research in this area crucial. Various HTF types, including synthetic oils, molten salts, nanofluids, and phase change materials (PCMs), have been investigated to enhance heat transfer efficiency, thermal stability, and energy storage capacity. Understanding the research landscape in this field is essential for identifying emerging trends and directing future advancements. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of HTF research in CSP applications. A total of 4,055 publications from 2000 to 2024 were retrieved using an automated search on the Scopus database with targeted keywords and analysed using the Bibliometrix R-package and its GUI extension Biblioshiny. The analysis focuses on five key bibliometric indicators: descriptive statistics, author productivity, source productivity, scientific collaboration, and keyword analysis. The findings highlight major research trends, influential publications, and emerging topics, including advancements in nanofluids, molten salts, and phase change materials (PCMs).