Performance Analysis of a Flat Plate Solar Collector Utilizing Different Nanofluids

Abstract

Given the risks of fossil fuel utilization, interest in renewable energy sources like solar power is growing, particularly with solar collectors. Flat plate solar collectors are common in solar thermal applications, though conventional heat transfer fluids have low thermal conductivity. To improve efficiency, nanofluids are employed. This study involves thermal analysis of a solar collector system using different nanofluids prepared in laboratories. Design parameters of the collector and the impact of utilizing nanofluids with different concentrations on the thermal performance of collector system are investigated through both analytical and experimental approaches. Results show nanofluids enhance thermo-physical properties, improving collector efficiency even at low concentrations. Comparing commonly used oxides (Al2O3) and rarely used nitrides (AlN), AlN-based nanofluids showed superior thermal properties. Additionally, MXene-water nanofluid with MAX (Ti3AlC2) synthesized from Titanium (II) hydride further increased efficiency. Experimental results demonstrated up to a 55.3 % efficiency improvement for nanofluids over water.