Investigation of the effect of hybrid CuO-Cu/water nanofluid on the solar thermal energy storage system

The hybrid nanofluid is formed when more than one type of nanoparticle is used in the nanofluid preparation process. The study of hybrid nanofluids is the most recent nanofluid trend, as they have the potential to improve greener energy production. Solar thermal energy systems still require further research before they can be widely used. As a result, the current study uses mono CuO and hybrid CuO + Cu/water nanofluids as the working fluid to explore the performance of an evacuated tube solar collector. Visual inspections and zeta potential studies showed the stability of the examined nanofluids, which were generated via ultrasonication. In the case of hybrid nanofluid, the thermal conductivity study has observed a 21% increase. The performance of the solar collector was tested at flow rates of 0.0125 L/s, 0.015 L/s, and 0.0175 L/s. With the use of a hybrid nanofluid, the collector area can be reduced by up to 38%. The heat removal factor was found to be 0.894. Hybrid CuO 2.5 g + Cu 1.5 g nanofluid exhibits a 61.7% and 14.9% greater thermal-optical efficiency than water and mono CuO, respectively.

Automated summary

The hybrid nanofluid, formed by using multiple types of nanoparticles in the preparation process, has shown potential in improving the performance and thermal-optical efficiency of solar thermal energy systems. Its stability and higher thermal conductivity make it a suitable working fluid for evacuated tube solar collectors.