Two-Phase Lattice Boltzmann Study on Heat Transfer and Flow Characteristics of Nanofluids in Solar Cell Cooling

Hui Liu, Minle Bao, Luyuan Gong, Shengqiang Shen and Yali Guo ()
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Hui Liu: Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Minle Bao: Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Luyuan Gong: Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Shengqiang Shen: Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Yali Guo: Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-18

Abstract: During solar cell operation, most light energy converts to heat, raising the battery temperature and reducing photoelectric conversion efficiency. Thus, lowering the temperature of solar cells is essential. Nanofluids, with their superior heat transfer capabilities, present a potential solution to this issue. This study investigates the mechanism of enhanced heat transfer by nanofluids in two-dimensional rectangular microchannels using the two-phase lattice Boltzmann method. The results indicate a 3.53% to 22.40% increase in nanofluid heat transfer, with 0.67% to 6.24% attributed to nanoparticle–fluid interactions. As volume fraction ( φ ) increases and particle radius ( R ) decreases, the heat transfer capability of the nanofluid improves, while the frictional resistance is almost unaffected. Therefore, the performance evaluation criterion (PEC) of the nanofluid increases, reaching a maximum value of 1.225 at φ = 3% and R = 10 nm. This paper quantitatively analyzes the interaction forces and thermal physical parameters of nanofluids, providing insights into their heat transfer mechanisms. Additionally, the economic feasibility of nanofluids is examined, facilitating their practical application, particularly in solar cell cooling.

Keywords: nanofluids; heat transfer; friction factor; solar cell cooling; two-phase lattice Boltzmann method (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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