An Experimental Investigation of Parabolic Trough Collector Using Industrial-Grade Multiwall Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) - H۲O Based Nanofluid

Solar thermal systems for heating have a high level of reliability. The usage of parabolic trough collectors (PTC) for domestic applications is still quite limited; furthermore, commercial utilization of nanofluids in these applications is rare. The influence of MWCNT nanofluid as a heat transfer fluid on the efficiency of a locally developed parabolic trough collector was examined experimentally. The effect of surfactant on nanofluid stability was also investigated, and it was revealed that nanoparticles could be evenly suspended in base fluid for at least ۱۰ days and less than one month using Triton X-۱۰۰. Experiments were also conducted to determine the optimal quantity of Triton X-۱۰۰ surfactant; it is possible to make nanoparticles stable for ۲۸ days in base fluid with the ratio of Triton X-۱۰۰ to MWCNT as ۰.۵:۱. At ۲.۰, ۳.۰, and ۴.۰ L/min flow rates, MWCNT/H۲O is used at three-particle concentrations of ۰.۱ %, ۰.۲ %, and ۰.۳ % by weight. The experiment is carried out under outdoor operating conditions. With ۳ L/min at ۰.۲ wt. %, MWCNT nanofluid achieves a maximum thermal efficiency that is ۲۲ % greater than the water. The findings provide important information about the commercialization of a locally developed PTC.

Keywords:

Solar energy , Parabolic trough collector , Surfactant , Nanofluids , Thermal Performance