Experimental Study of the Effect of Magnesium Oxide and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Hybrid Nanofluid on Increasing the Absorption Efficiency of Solar Radiation

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The solar radiation absorption efficiency is one of the challenges for engineers in solar energy systems. Using the hybrid nanofluids, which are obtained by dispersing two or more types of nanoparticles in the base fluid, can be effective in better absorption of solar energy. In this study, the effect of type, concentration, and mixing percentage of nanoparticles on optical properties and solar thermal utilization efficiency has been tested. First, magnesium oxide nanofluids and multi-walled carbon nanotubes with water-based fluid were fabricated by a two-step method in volumetric concentrations of 0/01%%Vol, 0.02% Vol, and 0.04%Vol, and then the optical properties of single and hybrid forms were measured by spectrophotometer and have been compared by existing relations. Then, to obtain the solar thermal utilization efficiency, a solar simulator has been used. The results show that increasing the concentration of nanofluid, improves the optical properties and solar radiation absorption efficiency. Magnesium oxide nanofluid, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and hybrid nanofluid have the values of extinction coefficient about 38, 40, and 50 times higher than pure water, respectively. The hybrid nanofluid absorbs more than 90% of the sun's energy at the highest concentration (0.04% Vol) and at a penetration depth of 0.3 cm. Solar energy absorption increases by increasing the concentration, hybridizing the nanofluid, and increasing the penetration distance.

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References

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Amirkabir Journal of Mechanical Engineering
Volume 54, Issue 5
August 2022
Pages 1101-1124

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