Multi‐objective assessment of a DAPTC based on 4E analysis: Water‐energy‐environment nexus

Abstract

Summary This study aims to thermodynamic analysis and optimizes the performance of a nanofluid‐based direct absorption parabolic trough collector (DAPTC) using a non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II). For this purpose, silicon carbide (SiC) and copper oxide (CuO) at three different volume fractions (0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1%) are used as the nanoparticles and water as the base fluid. The results obtained using the method presented in the current study are verified through experimental results, which are in good agreement with those. A comprehensive analysis is conducted to determine the effect of operating conditions and geometric dimensions on the energy and exergy efficiencies and economic performance of the DAPTC. In addition, an environmental investigation is performed to determine the effect of using nanofluids on CO2, NOx, and SOx reduction. Under the operating conditions, the cost of energy production, when SiC/water and CuO/water nanofluids are utilized instead of the base fluid, is reduced by 31.08% and 47.92%, respectively. The use of SiC/water and CuO/water nanofluids can reduce CO2 emissions by 216.18 and 332.55 kg and also water consumption by 968.1 and 1489.1 m3, respectively. The optimum energy and exergy efficiencies are 65.53% and 38.97%, respectively. Also, the SiC/water and CuO/water nanofluids have a 35% and 67.35% environmental impact, respectively. Highlights Multi‐objective optimization of a DAPTC using the NSGA‐II algorithm. The energy, exergy, economic, and environment of solar collectors were analyzed. The 547.86 MJ energy and 1489.1 m3 water were saved by the exploitation of CuO/water nanofluid. The 316.15 MJ energy and 968.1 m3 water were saved by the exploitation of SiC/water nanofluid. CO2 emissions decreased by 332.55 and 216.18 kg using CuO/water and SiC/water.