Introducing a Practical Hybrid Nanofluid for Direct Absorption Parabolic Trough Collectors: Advancing Efficiency, Cost-Effectiveness, and Eco-Friendliness

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
School of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, 16846-13114, Iran
Abstract
The current research explores the enhancement of thermal efficiency in direct absorption parabolic trough collectors (DAPTC) using an innovative hybrid nanofluid, complemented by preliminary assessments of environmental and economic aspects. Hybrid nanofluids were synthesized by dispersing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (functionalized with carboxyl groups) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles in distilled water, along with mono nanofluids, at volume concentrations of 0.01%, 0.03%, and 0.05%. Experimental investigations measured optical absorption properties and thermal conductivity, revealing superior stability, improved optical absorption, and a notable increase in thermal conductivity compared to the base fluid. Further analysis demonstrated that optical absorption properties contributed 78.73% to the thermal efficiency improvement, while the enhancement in thermal conductivity accounted for 21.27%, highlighting the dominant role of radiative heat absorption in direct absorption solar collectors. Performance tests at inlet temperatures of 20–40 °C and flow rates of 20–120 Lph showed maximum thermal efficiencies of 35.97%, 45.71%, and 49.68% for TiO2/water, MWCNT/water, and hybrid nanofluids, respectively. The performance index values (1.28–2.5) confirm their effectiveness, with negligible pressure drops. Additionally, using hybrid nanofluids allowed for a potential reduction in collector size by up to 55.8%, which may contribute to lower material usage and related environmental impacts. A preliminary economic analysis indicated up to 55.09% reduction in the levelized cost of energy. These findings suggest that the proposed hybrid nanofluid can improve thermal performance while potentially offering environmental and economic advantages.
Keywords
Subjects

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