Effect of Different Preparation Parameters on the Stability and Thermal Conductivity of MWCNT-Based Nanofluid Used for Photovoltaic/Thermal Cooling

Miqdam T. Chaichan, Hussein A. Kazem, Moafaq K. S. Al-Ghezi, Ali H. A. Al-Waeli, Ali J. Ali, Kamaruzzaman Sopian, Abdul Amir H. Kadhum, Wan Nor Roslam Wan Isahak, Mohd S. Takriff and Ahmed A. Al-Amiery ()
Additional contact information
Miqdam T. Chaichan: Energy and Renewable Energies Technology Research Center, University of Technology-Iraq, Baghdad 10066, Iraq
Hussein A. Kazem: Faculty of Engineering, Sohar University, P.O. Box 44, Sohar 311, Oman
Moafaq K. S. Al-Ghezi: Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Technology-Iraq, Baghdad 10066, Iraq
Ali H. A. Al-Waeli: Engineering Department, American University of Iraq, Sulaimani 46001, Iraq
Ali J. Ali: Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology-Iraq, Baghdad 10066, Iraq
Kamaruzzaman Sopian: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
Abdul Amir H. Kadhum: Faculty of Medicine, University of Al-Ameed, Karbala 56001, Iraq
Wan Nor Roslam Wan Isahak: Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43000, Selangor, Malaysia
Mohd S. Takriff: Chemical and Water Desalination Engineering Program, Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
Ahmed A. Al-Amiery: Energy and Renewable Energies Technology Research Center, University of Technology-Iraq, Baghdad 10066, Iraq

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 9, 1-24

Abstract: The thermal conductivity and stability of any nanofluid are essential thermophysical properties. These properties are affected by many parameters, such as the nanoparticles, the base fluid, the surfactant, and the sonication time used for mixing. In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were selected as additive particles, and the remaining variables were tested to reach the most suitable nanofluid that can be used to cool photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) systems operating in the harsh summer conditions of the city of Baghdad. Among the tested base fluids, water was chosen, although ethylene glycol (EG), propylene glycol (PG), and heat transfer oil (HTO) were available. The novelty of the current study contains the optimization of nanofluid preparation time to improve MWCNTs’ PVT performance with different surfactants (CTAB, SDS, and SDBS) and base fluids (water, EG, PG, and oil). When 1% MWCNT mass fraction was added, the thermal conductivity (TC) of all tested fluids increased, and the water + nano-MWCNT advanced all TC (EG, PG, and oil) by 119.5%, 308%, and 210%, respectively. The aqueous nanofluids’ stability also exceeded the EG, PG, and oil at the mass fraction of 0.5% MWCNTs by 11.6%, 20.3%, and 16.66%, respectively. A nanofluid consisting of 0.5% MWCNTs, water (base fluid), and CTAB (surfactant) was selected with a sonication time of three and quarter hours, considering that these preparation conditions were practically the best. This fluid was circulated in an installed outdoor, weather-exposed PVT system. Experiments were carried out in the harsh weather conditions of Baghdad, Iraq, to test the effectiveness of the PVT system and the nanofluid. The nanofluid-cooled system achieved an electrical efficiency increase of 88.85% and 44% compared to standalone PV and water-cooled PVT systems, respectively. Additionally, its thermal efficiency was about 20% higher than that of a water-cooled PVT system. With the effect of the high temperature of the PV panel (at noon), the electrical efficiency of the systems was decreased, and the least affected was the nanofluid-cooled PVT system. The thermal efficiency of the nanofluid-cooled PVT system was also increased under these conditions. This success confirms that the prepared nanofluid cooling of the PVT system approach can be used in the severe weather of the city of Baghdad.

Keywords: SWCNTs; photovoltaic/thermal; stability; thermal conductivity; sonication time; surfactant (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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