article · Journal of Engineering Research
This research examines methods to improve the thermal efficiency of parabolic solar collector systems using hybrid nanofluids. Through numerical simulations and experimental analyses, the performance of various nanoparticle compositions and concentrations was assessed. Hybrid nanofluids, particularly gold-copper in engine oil (Au-Cu/EO) and copper-aluminium oxide (Cu-Al2O3), exhibited superior heat transfer properties compared to conventional working fluids, delivering efficiency enhancements between 22.44% and 35.01%. In specific evaluations, thermal efficiency surpassed that of pure water by 197.1%, aluminium oxide in water by 69.2%, and carbon nanotube mixtures by 6.1%. The findings indicate that precise nanoparticle dosing improves energy absorption while mitigating friction penalties. However, broader deployment requires addressing persistent obstacles, including nanoparticle agglomeration, increased pumping energy demands, elevated manufacturing costs, and the necessity of long-term fluid stability testing.
Parabolic solar collectors are vital for renewable heat and power, but conventional working fluids limit their energy capture. Demonstrating that hybrid nanofluids can substantially raise heat transfer efficiency provides a path towards higher-performing solar thermal systems. However, resolving practical limitations such as fluid instability, high costs, and system pumping demands is critical before these advanced fluids can offer real-world environmental and energy benefits.
This work could inform the design of more efficient solar thermal systems for equipment manufacturers and solar energy operators. The technology is currently at an applied research stage involving numerical and laboratory testing. Real-world adoption remains distant, as commercial viability requires resolving the high manufacturing costs of hybrid nanomaterials, managing the parasitic energy needed for fluid pumping, and proving the long-term physical stability of the mixtures under operational conditions.
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This study addresses challenges in enhancing the thermal efficiency of parabolic solar collector energy systems using hybrid nanofluids, focusing on issues like nanoparticle clumping and decreased effectiveness. The objective is to optimize design parameters for improved energy absorption and efficiency by evaluating the thermal performance of hybrid nanofluids through theoretical and experimental analyses, aiming to enhance the overall efficiency of solar collector systems. The thermal performance of solar collector systems was evaluated by conducting numerical simulations and experimental analyses to investigate the effects of various nanoparticle compositions and concentrations. The findings suggest that hybrid nanofluids, specifically Au-Cu/EO and Cu-Al2O3, demonstrate enhanced heat transfer properties in comparison to conventional fluids, resulting in efficiency enhancements ranging from 22.44% to 35.01%. Compared to water, Al2O3/water (0.04%), and MWCNT/water (0.04%), the solar collector's thermal efficiency improves by 197.1%, 69.2%, and 6.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the potential advantages of integrating precise nanoparticle concentrations to improve thermal efficiency while reducing the adverse effects of friction factors. The results emphasize the significance of tackling primary obstacles such as the clumping together of nanoparticles, heightened energy demands for pumping, and elevated expenses in the manufacture of hybrid nanofluids. The study enhances the advancement of cost-effective and efficient solar collector systems by identifying limits and suggesting alternative solutions. The research highlights the necessity for additional investigation into innovative combinations of nanomaterials, fine-tuning of fluid characteristics, and thorough evaluations of long-term stability in order to forward the practical use of hybrid nanofluids in solar energy systems.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.jer.2024.04.023
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