Thermal performance analysis of a novel direct absorption solar collector augmented solar still using silver nanofluids

Abstract

Solar desalination is a viable alternative for clean water for the areas where plenty of sunshine is available throughout the year. Due to less productivity of distilled water in passive solar still, it is still a challenge for the researchers to commercialize this low-cost renewable technology. In the last decade, much effort has been made by researchers to improve the overall productivity of solar stills by expanding novel active system methods. For the work presented here, a novel nanofluid-laden reverse-irradiated direct absorption solar collector (RI-DASC) augmented active solar still is proposed and tested under laboratory conditions for the very first time. Ag nanoparticles of sizes ~5-10 nm were used to prepare the nanofluids and were used as working fluid in the RI-DASC system. The system transfers the heat to the basin of active solar still directly omitting the need of piping arrangement. Experiments were conducted under different ambient conditions and for different mass loadings of Ag nanoparticles, that is, 0.1 mg L À1 , 0.2 mg L -1 , and 0.4 mg L À1 in RI-DASC augmented active solar still. The results showed that the temperature difference between the top glass cover and the basin of solar still was significantly higher in novel active solar compared to the conventional single slope passive still. Ag nanofluids with a mass fraction of 0.4 mg L À1 lead to a maximum temperature rise and thus overall thermal efficiency over other tested Ag nanofluids. The novel DASC augmented active solar still is practically viable using reflectors and can enhance the freshwater productivity over a conventional solar still.

Electrostatically Assisted Construction Modified MXene-IL-Based Nanofluids for Photothermal Conversion

“…However, the coating will degrade during the solar absorbing process, causing damage to the environment . Recently, the nanofluid-based direct absorption solar collector (DASC) has been considered to be an important alternative method to improve the efficiency of solar thermal utilization. − Its heat collecting fluid is not only the working medium for absorbing and converting solar energy but also has the heat transfer function, reducing the heat loss and increasing the rational use of heat energy. The scientists focus on maximizing the conversion of light energy into heat energy in the DASC.…”

Investigation on stable TiN plasmonic nanofluids for applications in direct absorption solar collectors

“…In recent years, the nanofluids with different types of nanoparticles, such as carbon materials, 9,10 semiconductors, 11,12 and noble metal nanoparticles, 13–17 have been investigated and discussed extensively in DASCs. Among them, the noble metal nanoparticles could enhance the light capture ability of the HTF due to its localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in specific wavelength range 18 . The LSPR effect can improve the extinction coefficient of the noble metal nanoparticles.…”

Experimental investigation of a stepped solar still employing a phase change material, a conical tank, and a solar dish

“…Efforts for performance rising of stepped SSs have continued into the 21st century. 24,25 For example, Khelif and Touati 26 suggested techniques to improve their efficiency by modifying three key factors: optical efficiency, time constant, and global losses factor 27,28 increased the pure water daily production by 75% over a regular stepped SS and 125% over a basin SS, by adding interior and exterior reflectors to the flow channel. Using latent heat storage to control the temperature and humidity of a residential building using a stepped SS, Radhwan 29 designed an agriculture greenhouse SS for heating and humidification to enhance the nighttime temperature and provided a pure water efficiency with a daily yield of 57%, and 4.6 L/m 2 , respectively.…”