Enhancing optical efficiency of a linear parabolic solar collector through nanofluids

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.