Performance enhancement of a Flat Plate Solar collector using Titanium dioxide nanofluid and Polyethylene Glycol dispersant

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 92; pp. 343 - 353
• Main Authors: Said, Z., Sabiha, M.A., Saidur, R., Hepbasli, A., Rahim, N.A., Mekhilef, S., Ward, T.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-04-2015
• Subjects: Energy; Exergy; Nanofluid; Pressure drop; Thermal conductivity; TiO2; Thermal conductivity; Exergy; Energy; Nanofluid; Pressure drop; TiO2
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.01.007

The use of TiO2–water nanofluid as a working fluid for enhancing the performance of a flat plate solar collector has been studied. The volume fraction of the nanoparticles was 0.1% and 0.3% respectively, while the mass flow rates of the nanofluid varied from 0.5 to 1.5 kg/min, respectively. Thermo-physical properties and reduced sedimentation for TiO2-nanofluid was obtained using PEG 400 dispersant. The results reveal the impact and importance of each of these parameters. Energy efficiency increased by 76.6% for 0.1% volume fraction and 0.5 kg/min flow rate, whereas the highest exergy efficiency achieved was 16.9% for 0.1% volume fraction and 0.5 kg/min flow rate. Results showed that the pressure drop and pumping power of TiO2 nanofluid was very close to the base fluid for the studied volume fractions.
•Thermal conductivity surges up to 6% with 0.3 vol. % of TiO2.•Improved energy and exergy efficiency with TiO2–H2O nanofluid.•Almost negligible effect in the pumping power and pressure drop.•Energy efficiency improved by 76.6% for 0.1% volume fraction and 1.5 kg/min.•Exergy efficiency is improved by up to 16.9% for 0.1% volume fraction and 0.5 kg/min.