Impact of size and scattering mode on the optimal solar absorbing nanofluid

Todd Otanicar, Robert A. Taylor, Patrick Phelan, Ravi Prasher

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

The concept of using a direct absorbing nanofluid, a liquid-nanoparticle suspension, has recently been shown numerically and experimentally to be an efficient method for harvesting solar thermal energy. Studies show that the size and shape of the nanoparticles as well as the scattering mode (e.g. dependent, independent, and multiple) all impact the amount of energy absorbed and emitted by the nanofluid. In order to optimize the efficiency of a direct absorption solar thermal system the optimum nanoparticle-liquid combination needs to be developed. The optimum nanofluid for a direct absorption solar thermal collector is investigated numerically through the variation of particle size, including the impact of size on optical properties, and scattering mode. The study addresses both the absorption of solar energy within the fluid as well as the emission of the fluid.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the ASME 3rd International Conference on Energy Sustainability 2009, ES2009
Pages791-796
Number of pages6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
EventASME 3rd International Conference on Energy Sustainability, ES2009 - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Jul 19 2009Jul 23 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ASME 3rd International Conference on Energy Sustainability 2009, ES2009
Volume1

Other

OtherASME 3rd International Conference on Energy Sustainability, ES2009
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period7/19/097/23/09

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

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