Improving Thermal Energy Storage in Solar Collectors: A Study of Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles and Flow Rate Optimization

Mohammad Hamdan, Eman Abdelhafez, Salman Ajib () and Mustafa Sukkariyh
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Mohammad Hamdan: Department of Renewable Energy Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Applied Science Private University, P.O. Box 541350, Amman 11937, Jordan
Eman Abdelhafez: Department of Alternative Energy Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan
Salman Ajib: Department of Renewable Energies and Decentralized Energy Supplying, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Applied Informatics, Technische Hochschule Ostwestfallen-Lippe (University of Applied Sciences and Arts), 32657 Lemgo, Germany
Mustafa Sukkariyh: Department of Alternative Energy Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-12

Abstract: Solar thermal energy storage improves the practicality and efficiency of solar systems for space heating by addressing the intermittent nature of solar radiation, leading to enhanced energy utilization, cost reduction, and a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to meeting heating needs in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. In this study, an indoor experimental setup was employed to investigate the impact of a water-based Al 2 O 3 nanofluid on the storage capacity of a flat plate solar collector under varying flow rates of the heat transfer fluid. The nanofluid, introduced at specific concentrations, was incorporated into a water-contained storage tank through which the hot heat transfer fluid circulated within a heat exchanger. This process resulted in the storage of thermal energy for future applications. The research identified that the optimal flow rate of the heat transfer fluid, corresponding to the maximum storage temperature, was 15 L per hour, and the ideal nanofluid concentration, associated with the maximum specific heat capacity of the storage medium, was 0.6%. Furthermore, the introduction of nanoparticles into the storage tank led to a significant increase in the specific heat of the water, reaching a maximum of 19% from 4.18 to 5.65 kJ/(kg·°C).

Keywords: aluminum oxide nanoparticles; thermal energy storage; solar collectors; improving of system efficiency (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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