Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer in a Solar Flat Plate Collector using nano-Fluids

Abstract

Solar energy is a source of clean and free energy that has been used by humans in various ways. The recent energy crisis has made countries around the world approach energy issues differently. The heat and light emitted by the sun is called solar energy. Solar energy is the light and heat that is radiated from the sun and can be harnessed using a range of technologies, such as photovoltaic systems and solar thermal energy. One of the most important applications of solar energy is the use of photovoltaic panels to convert solar energy into electrical energy. Solar collectors are used to harness the thermal energy (heat) from solar energy. In this study, the heat exchange by nanofluid in pipes, screw, and absorber plate in the flat plate collector were examined. Nanofluids are fluids that have particles suspended between 1 and 100 nanometers in size in the base fluid. The addition of nanofluids significantly increases heat transfer and thermal conductivity. In this study, silicon carbide nanofluids with percentages of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% in the base fluid (ethylene glycol) were used. The thermal properties, such as Nusselt number, conductive heat transfer coefficient, and transfer rate of the nanofluids were investigated.