Heat Transfer Augmentation in Solar Collectors Using Nanofluids: A Review

Background: Enhancing the heat transfer rate in solar collectors is an essential factor for reducing the size of the system. Yet, various methods have been presented in the literature to increase the heat transfer rate from an absorber to the heat transfer fluid. The most important methods are: the use of evacuated receivers, addition of swirl generators/turbulators and use of various nanofluids as the heat transfer fluid. Objective: The current study reviews the achievements in the enhancement of solar collectors’ heat transfer process using various types of nanofluids. The review revealed that the most widely employed nanoparticles are Al2O3 and Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the most popular base fluid is water. Most of the investigations are performed on indirect solar collectors, while recently, the researchers focused on direct absorption methods. In the indirect absorption collectors, the thermal conductivity of the working fluid is essential, while in a direct absorption collector, the optical properties are also crucial. Optimization of the optical parameters along with the thermophysical properties of the nanofluid is suggested for the applications of solar collector.