Role of Hybrid Nanofluid on the Thermal Efficiency of Solar Energy Harvesting: An Exploratory Analysis

Abstract

In the modern world, energy efficiency is becoming one of the excellent factors for prolonged economic development. The review’s main goal is to give a thorough overview of nanofluid based solar collectors’ thermal performance. Potential heat transfer liquids, nanofluids have improved thermophysical qualities and can be used to improve heat transfer performance in a variety of devices. This work reviews and compiles a wide range of research on the heat transfer properties and application of nanofluid-based solar collectors. According to a new study, using nanofluids instead of conventional coolants seems like a viable and beneficial idea. The authors also conducted a critical analysis of a few of the applications and noted any research gaps that needed to be filled. According to findings reported in the literature, at very low particle concentrations, nano liquids have a significantly greater and substantially thermal conductivity depend on temperature than ordinary fluids. This can be regarded as one of the most important factors for improved performance in a lot of the nanofluid applications. The most recent research on this aspect has also been compiled and presented in this publication due to its outstanding thermal capabilities. Studies and research on mono nanofluids have shown that the most effective options are those containing CuO and Al₂O₃ particles, thanks to their high thermal conductivity and availability. Similarly, hybrid nanofluids, particularly those combining CuO and Al₂O₃ with water (CuO + Al₂O₃/water), have demonstrated similar advantages. Through design improvements and the incorporation of these nanofluids, temperatures as high as 75°C have been achieved. This study elucidates the advantages and effects of hybrid nanofluid on the performance of solar energy harvesting utilising various shapes of flat plate collectors, as conducted by different researchers, and also expands on future directions for forthcoming research in the domain of solar energy harvesting.