Experimental performance analysis of flat plate solar collectors using different nanofluids

Abstract

In this study, the effect of Al2O3-water and ZnO-water nanofluids, with and without ethylene glycol (EG), on the efficiency of a flat plate solar collector was investigated. Two systems were set up and the nanofluids with and without EG were examined at the same time. The volume fraction of the nanoparticles and EG were 0.25% and 25%, respectively. The study was conducted on three mass flow rates: 0.05 kg/s, 0.07 kg/s, and 0.09 kg/s. ASHRAE Standard 93-2010 was used to calculate the efficiency. The efficiency of the system was compared to distilled water (base fluid). The results also showed that an increase in the mass flow rate and use of the EG increased efficiency. Furthermore, in comparison with the base fluid, the maximum increase in efficiency (15.13%) was observed at 0.09 kg/s when using a Al2O3-water/EG nanofluid.