On the use of hybrid nanofluids in Direct Absorption Parabolic Trough solar Collector

Ahmed Amine Hachicha

Renewable Energy, 2025, vol. 248, issue C

Abstract: Direct absorber solar collectors represent an innovative approach maximizing solar energy conversion in solar thermal collector systems. Their integration in parabolic trough technology offers the potential for enhanced performance by improving heat absorption and reducing thermal resistance. This study investigates the use of mono and hybrid nanofluids in Direct Absorber Parabolic Trough solar collectors (DAPTCs) with rectangular absorbers, a design that could offer significant cost and performance benefits. A comprehensive model is developed to simulate the optical and thermo-hydraulic performance of the DAPTC using nanofluids. A Monte Carlo Ray Tracing (MCRT) model is used to estimate the realistic solar flux distribution around the DAPTC absorber. The numerical model is validated against experimental data from the literature before exploring the performance of mono and hybrid nanofluids using copper and alumina nanoparticles dispersed in water. A parametric study is also carried out to assess the influence of flow rate, inlet fluid temperature, and absorber depth on system performance. Results reveal a significant enhancement in thermal and exergy efficiencies, reaching up to 88 % using Cu-Al2O3 hybrid nanofluid compared to basefluid. Furthermore, the impact of optical losses on solar flux distribution and thermal performance is analyzed, demonstrating how optical errors influence the DAPTC efficiency through the combined effects on average flux and flux uniformity.

Keywords: Solar energy; Direct absorption parabolic trough solar collector; Nanofluid; Optical properties; Optical losses; Thermal efficiency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:248:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125007189

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123056

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