Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hongyun Zhang, Kongxiang Wang, Wei Yu, Lingling Wang, Huaqing Xie
Summary: This study proposes a direct absorption solar collector using graphene oxide and titanium nitride nanoparticles as working fluids, and a ternary mixed molten salt as the heat storage core. Experimental results show that the collector can store a maximum thermal energy of nearly 527 J, with an energy retention rate of 51.7% and a solar thermal efficiency of 56.5%.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Kongxiang Wang, Yan He, Zhiheng Zheng, Jingqiong Gao, Ankang Kan, Huaqing Xie, Wei Yu
Summary: This study focuses on the application of ethylene glycol based TiN nanofluids in solar collectors and investigates the optical properties of the fluid as the temperature changes. Experimental results show that the heated nanofluids have stronger absorption capability, significantly improving the photothermal conversion efficiency of the collector.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Bin Sun, Xinjie Xu, Di Yang, Hongwei Li
Summary: This study investigates the effects of MWCNT-DW/EG nanofluid mass fraction, pH value, mass velocity, and liquid level height on the stability, optical properties, thermal conductivity, and overall performance of direct absorption solar collector (DASC). The potential of using MWCNT nanofluid in DASC is comprehensively evaluated. Results show that the 0.01 wt% MWCNT-DW/EG nanofluid with pH 7 achieves the highest photothermal conversion efficiency, increasing up to 38.5% compared to the base fluid. The efficiency of DASC is significantly higher than that of evacuated tube solar collector with selected-coating. This study provides important scientific data and reference for the numerical simulation and practical application of DASC.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Juanxuan Guo, Fangxian Wang, Shihao Li, Yuwei Wang, Xueshan Hu, Daoyuan Zu, Yongming Shen, Changping Li
Summary: The study demonstrates that the Ti3C2/[BMIM]BF4 nanofluid based on ionic liquid exhibits excellent light-to-heat conversion performance, and the performance increases with the increase of Ti3C2 mass ratio, solar concentration, and DASC height.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Caio V. P. Vital, Sajid Farooq, Renato E. de Araujo, Diego Rativa, Luis A. Gomez-Malagon
Summary: Metallic nanostructures, specifically transition metal nitrides, have shown superior thermal efficiency and exergy efficiency in direct absorption solar collectors compared to traditional plasmonic materials like gold. Their small scattering cross-sections and broad absorption peaks make them well-suited for solar applications. Additionally, the use of these nanostructures allows for higher outlet temperatures and lower required pumping work, making them a promising option for solar-related heating technologies.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Parminder Singh, Sanjay Kumar, Nikhil Chander, Ashok Kumar Bagha
Summary: This study presents an asymmetric compound parabolic concentrator (ACPC)-based direct absorption solar collector (DASC) system using gold and silver nanoparticle-based plasmonic nanofluids. Real-time outdoor experiments demonstrate that the ACPC-based DASC system achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of around 70%, which is approximately 28% higher than a flat DASC system with water as the working fluid. Furthermore, the plasmonic nanofluids show excellent stability in retaining their optical properties even after hours of sun exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Omar Z. Sharaf, Nahla Rizk, Catherine J. Munro, Chakra P. Joshi, Dalaver H. Anjum, Eiyad Abu-Nada, Matthew N. Martin, Anas Alazzam
Summary: This study investigated the photostability of gold nanoparticles with different functional coatings under prolonged exposure to various radiation spectra. The stability of the nanofluids was influenced by the type of coating, radiation exposure mode, and spectrum. Despite subtle physicochemical transitions in the polymeric coatings, the gold nanoparticles maintained a high level of photostability, attributed to strong polymer-Au interactions and high surface grafting densities.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juwel C. Mojumder, Saiied M. Aminossadati, Christopher R. Leonardi
Summary: This study investigates the use of thermal nanofluids in direct absorption solar collectors (DASC) using computational modelling. The study examines the effects of optical and thermal properties on thermal energy production. The results show that the exergy efficiency is lower when fully diffusive conditions are used at the semitransparent wall compared to fully specular conditions. The study also establishes a correlation between the hydraulic entrance length and Reynolds number.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ahmed Amine Hachicha, Zafar Said
Summary: In recent years, the development of nanofluids has opened up new possibilities for research in renewable energy, particularly in the field of Direct Absorption Solar Collectors (DASCs). Researchers have made rapid progress in studying the optical characteristics of nanofluids, which can significantly enhance photothermal conversion. This study introduces a numerical model that assesses the performance of DASCs using mono and hybrid nanofluids. The model solves radiation transfer equations and thermal energy equations in a participating medium while considering realistic solar spectrum and optical properties of copper and alumina nanoparticles. The study also examines the sensitivity of DASC performance to design and operation parameters, as well as the influence of copper and alumina nanoparticles. Additionally, the technoeconomic impact of Cu-Al2O3 hybrid nanofluid at different volume fractions is investigated using response surface methodology, and a multi-objective optimization is performed to maximize DASC efficiency and minimize the total cost of the working fluid.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Wenlei Zhu, Xiahua Zuo, Yumei Ding, Hua Yan, Ying An, Weimin Yang
Summary: Solar energy is crucial for addressing energy challenges. The combination of nanofluids and direct absorption solar collectors is an efficient way to utilize solar energy. This study investigated the use of cuttlefish ink nanofluids and found that they improve heat transfer and optical absorption abilities. Photothermal conversion experiments showed that cuttlefish ink nanofluids achieved a higher overall photothermal efficiency compared to deionized water. The study suggests that cuttlefish ink nanofluids are promising for direct absorption solar collectors systems.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jia Zeng, Yimin Xuan
Summary: This study investigates the application features of flowing photonic nanofluids in direct solar-thermal conversion through multi-scale theoretical and experimental analysis. The study reveals the excellent solar-thermal conversion ability of photonic nanofluids at both microscopic and macroscopic levels, providing a detailed method and performance parameter reference for nanofluid selection and working condition adjustment.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jin Wen, Xiaoke Li, Wenjing Chen, Junhao Liu
Summary: TiN nanofluids, with excellent optical properties and thermal conductivity, show promise and potential in increasing solar energy utilization efficiency in photothermal conversion applications.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Abdul Mannan Akanda, Donghyun Shin
Summary: Recently, it has been reported that nanoparticle dispersions at a very low concentration in salt mixtures can significantly increase their specific heat capacity. However, different research groups have reported discrepancies in the experimental results for the same type of molten salt-nanoparticle mixtures. From a literature survey, it was found that there is no standardized synthesis protocol for preparing molten salt nanofluids. In this study, the optimum ultrasonication time for preparing molten salt nanofluids was proposed based on a comparison of specific heat capacity enhancements for different ultrasonication times.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nianben Zheng, Fang Yan, Long Wang, Zhiqiang Sun
Summary: This study investigates the use of nanofluids to enhance the efficiency of solar collectors and evaluates their optical and photo-thermal conversion performance. The results show that the hybrid MWCNT-TiN nanofluids have better light absorption capability and achieve higher photo-thermal conversion efficiency through the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of TiN nanoparticles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sanjay Kumar, Ashish Kumar, Nikhil Chander, Dwesh K. Singh
Summary: Solar desalination is a viable alternative for clean water in sunny areas, and researchers have made progress in improving the productivity of low-cost solar stills.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Dariush Zare, Arash Nourmohamadi-Moghadami, Shubham Subrot Panigrahi, Azharul Karim, Chandra B. Singh
Summary: This study developed a generalized dimensionless model to predict the distribution of broken corn and foreign material (BCFM) in a silo after the filling process. The model considered practical loading parameters and showed accurate results in predicting the BCFM distribution. It also revealed a nonlinear sifting effect and a higher concentration of fines near the center of the silo.
JOURNAL OF STORED PRODUCTS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Phani Kumari Paritala, Haveena Anbananthan, Jacob Hautaniemi, Macauley Smith, Antony George, Mark Allenby, Jessica Benitez Mendieta, Jiaqiu Wang, Liam Maclachlan, EeShern Liang, Marita Prior, Prasad K. D. Yarlagadda, Craig Winter, Zhiyong Li
Summary: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are increasingly used to evaluate intracranial aneurysm (IA) haemodynamics for predicting morphological changes and rupture risk. However, the reproducibility of IA-CFD models needs investigation due to variations and differences in published results. This study explores the sources of intra-team variability and its impact on aneurysm morphology and CFD parameters. The findings suggest that a standardized segmentation protocol and consideration of wall shear stress divergence are necessary for the clinical applicability of CFD simulations.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chijioke Raphael Onyeagba, Majedul Islam, Prasad K. D. V. Yarlagadda, Tuquabo Tesfamichael
Summary: Nano-crystalline thin films of tin oxide (SnO2) were deposited on silicon and glass substrates at room temperature using sputtering method at different working pressures (10, 7, and 5 mTorr). The films were investigated for surface morphology, electrical and optical properties to optimize the deposition condition as electron transport layer (ETL) for high-power conversion efficiency perovskite solar cells. SnO2 films obtained at working pressure of 10 mTorr showed uniform surface morphology with high light transmittance (90%) and conductivity (4 S/m). These sputtered SnO2 films showed promising properties as ETL for PSC, and further research is needed to establish the optimal fabrication parameters and resulting energy conversion efficiency.
MATERIALS FOR RENEWABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sumaiya Sadika Tuly, Mohammad U. H. Joardder, Zachary G. G. Welsh, Azharul Karim
Summary: The present study aims to develop a theoretical shrinkage model considering the drying kinetics and shrinkage velocity approach during the convective drying of jackfruit. Model validation was carried out and the results showed that the shrinkage-induced model demonstrated superior performance in predicting moisture content and temperature variation compared to the model without shrinkage. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for the food drying industry, offering new knowledge about drying kinetics and shrinkage characteristics.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zachary G. Welsh, Matthew J. Simpson, Md Imran H. Khan, M. A. Karim
Summary: This research constructs a multiscale food drying model utilizing a generalized moisture diffusivity and investigates its predictive capabilities. The study finds that the generalized diffusivity accurately describes the experimental data at different drying temperatures.
JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Vindya Thathsaranee Weligama Thuppahige, Lalehvash Moghaddam, Zachary G. Welsh, Tony Wang, Hong-Wei Xiao, Azharul Karim
Summary: This study investigated the potential of extracting starch from cassava peel and bagasse as non-edible sources. The study developed an extraction method to maximize starch extraction and compared the properties of the extracted starch with commercial cassava starch. The results showed that cassava peel starch had a significantly higher yield than bagasse starch, and the extracted starch from both sources exhibited similar morphology and functional groups.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Majedul Islam, Falah Sahal S. Aldawsari, Prasad K. D. V. Yarlagadda
Summary: Inspired by nature, a study was conducted using a finite element model to investigate the interaction mechanism between bacterial cell membranes and nanospikes. Results showed that the deformation of the bacterial cell wall around the nanospike contact point led to cell rupture, similar to a paper punching machine. These findings provide insights into how specific bacterial cells are deformed and ruptured by nanospikes.
Article
Acoustics
Yuqiao Xiang, Jessica Benitez Mendieta, Jiaqiu Wang, Phani Kumari Paritala, Haveena Anbananthan, Jorge Alberto Amaya Catano, Davide Fontanarosa, Prasad Yarlagadda, Zhiyong Li
Summary: Different body postures and physical exercises can lead to changes in arterial geometry and hemodynamics, which may be associated with the distribution of atherosclerosis lesions. This study investigates the potential geometric and hemodynamic changes of the carotid bifurcation in different body postures and after high-intensity interval training. The findings suggest that these changes may be related to the formation and development of carotid atherosclerosis.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jorge A. Catano, Steven Farthing, Zeus Mascarenhas, Nathaniel Lake, Prasad K. D. V. Yarlagadda, Zhiyong Li, Yi-Chin Toh
Summary: Microfluidic organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology enables dynamic physiological studies and drug testing. Designing a microfluidic pump that can customize flow rates and profiles while maintaining low cost and small size is challenging. This study presents a 3D-printed mini-peristaltic pump that is user-friendly, compact, and affordable, making it suitable for various OoC applications.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Reham Abdullah Sanad Alsbu, Prasad Yarlagadda, Azharul Karim
Summary: The quality of fruits and vegetables can be affected during transportation and storage, especially in terms of firmness and weight loss. However, there is limited research on accurately predicting these attributes based on storage conditions. This study investigated the changes in quality attributes of four apple varieties during transportation and storage, and found that firmness decreased over time, with the rate of weight loss increasing. Temperature had a significant impact on firmness, with lower storage temperatures resulting in less decline.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ali Hassan, Ali M. Nikbakht, Sabrina Fawzia, Prasad K. D. V. Yarlagada, Azharul Karim
Summary: This pioneering research developed a transient thermodynamic model and conducted an economic analysis of the integration of a conical shaped rock bed thermal energy storage (TES) system with a solar air heater. The results showed high energy storage and recovery capabilities of the optimized TES system, and the hybrid application demonstrated a remarkable reduction in energy payback period, indicating its superior economic value.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
S. P. S. N. Buddhika Sampath Kumara, S. W. M. Amal Ishantha Senevirathne, Asha Mathew, Laura Bray, Mohammad Mirkhalaf, Prasad K. D. V. Yarlagadda
Summary: Bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality. Nanostructured surfaces with mechano-bactericidal properties have emerged as a promising solution to prevent bacterial colonization and infections. This review explores the research progress, fabrication methods, challenges, and potential for polymeric implants to leverage their properties over traditional materials.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Buddhi Herath, Markus Laubach, Sinduja Suresh, Beat Schmutz, J. Paige Little, Prasad K. D. V. Yarlagadda, Dietmar W. Hutmacher, Marie-Luise Wille
Summary: A modular design workflow was developed to facilitate the efficient design and manufacture of patient-specific scaffolds for scaffold-guided bone regeneration (SGBR). The workflow allows for semi-automatic filling of defect cavities, patient specificity, ideal surgical scaffold insertion, and generation of scaffolds based on various pore architectures. The real-time feedback from surgeons shortens the time required to finalize a patient-specific scaffold design.
VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL PROTOTYPING
(2023)