Thermal performance evaluation of parabolic trough collector having different inserts and working with hybrid nanofluid

Abstract

This study emphasizes the comparative investigation of the thermal capacity of parabolic solar trough collectors with spherical-shaped balls and two types of elliptical inserts (longitudinal orientation). Hybrid nanofluid is the heat-carrying liquid obtained by mixing CuO and Al2O3 nanoparticles in distilled water. Analytical investigations are conducted for 1% vol. concentration of hybrid nanoparticles in distilled water for varying proportions. Computational analysis is chosen to obtain thermal as well as flow trends in the tube receiver. The outcomes disclosed that 13.3%, 10.02%, and 16% improvements are noted for thermal efficiency, Nusselt number, and thermal performance index with elliptical inserts of minor diameter 12 mm in the receiver, respectively, than spherical ball inserts. The highest pump work of 35 W is associated with spherical inserts at 0.033 kg/s.