Abstract:
This paper explores different types of nanofluids (namely aluminium nanoparticles dispersed in water,
ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and therminol VP-1) for their suitability as working fluid in direct absorption linear
parabolic solar collectors. Lambert Beer’s law has been invoked to compute intensity attenuation as it passes through the
nanofluid. Intensity attenuation and subsequent energy transfer takes place through absorption and scattering of solar
radiations by the participating media (nanofluid). The current analysis quantitatively compares the solar energy
capturing capacity for the four nanofluids. Optical efficiency as a function of receiver radius and volume fraction of
nanoparticles has been computed for the four nanofluids, also thermal efficiency as a function of volume fraction has
been found out.
