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Thermal-Hydraulic Analysis of Parabolic Trough Collectors Using Straight Conical Strip Inserts with Nanofluids
Nabeel Abed1,2, Imran Afgan3,1, Hector Iacovides1
1Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 3, 2021
Summary
This study optimized swirl inserts and nanofluids for parabolic trough collectors. Combining swirl generators with 6% SiO2 nanofluids significantly boosted thermal efficiency and reduced heat loss.
Area of Science:
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Heat Transfer Enhancement
- Nanofluid Applications
Background:
- Parabolic trough collectors (PTCs) are crucial for solar thermal energy.
- Non-uniform heating and suboptimal thermal-hydraulic performance limit PTC efficiency.
- Enhancing heat transfer in PTCs is vital for maximizing energy output.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically investigate swirl inserts and nanofluids for PTCs under non-uniform heating.
- To optimize swirl generator geometry and nanofluid concentration for improved performance.
- To evaluate the combined effect of swirl generators and nanofluids on thermal-hydraulic characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Numerical investigation of swirl inserts with and without nanofluids.
- Analysis of varying Reynolds numbers and non-uniform heating conditions.
- Optimization of swirl generator geometry and assessment of SiO2 nanofluids.
Main Results:
- Straight conical strips enhanced Nusselt number by 47.13%.
- Swirl generators with nanofluids increased Nusselt number by 57.48% and reduced thermal losses by 22.3%.
- The optimal configuration (H30mm-θ30°-N4 swirl generator with 6% SiO2 nanofluids) improved overall efficiency by 14.62% and thermal exergy by 14.47%.
Conclusions:
- Swirl inserts and nanofluids effectively enhance PTC thermal-hydraulic performance.
- The synergistic effect of swirl generators and nanofluids offers superior heat transfer enhancement.
- Optimized swirl generator design combined with appropriate nanofluid concentration is key to maximizing solar collector efficiency.
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