Investigation of TiO2 and MWCNT Nanofluids-based Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV/T) System

Abstract

Nanofluids as a new generation of cooling fluid has been found in recent years to improve the heat-transfer coefficient and enhance the system performance. This study presents investigation conducted on the performances of TiO2 and MWCNT nanofluids-based PVT systems. The preparation of nanofluids using two step method and dispersing of surfactant for a stable nanofluid. The experimental investigation with the effect of different concentration, mass flow rate (0.012 kg/s to 0.0255 kg/s) and solar radiation (500 W/m2 to 900 W/m2) on the performance of nanofluids-based PVT system is presented. The lowest temperature of the PV module and highest fluid's change of temperature were recorded when the collector uses TiO2 fluid 1.0 wt% which is 2.01°C and 1.80°C.