Using nanofluids to enhance the operation of solar energy systems

T. Otanicar, Patrick Phelan, Lenore Dai, R. Swaminathan, R. Taylor

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

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nanofluids have garnered a lot of attention for their potential to modify thermal properties, particularly the thermal conductivity. While these modifications have been heavily investigated within the heat transfer and materials community, nanofluids additionally offer the potential for major modification to the radiative properties of the host fluid. Of particular interest here is how the modification of the radiative properties of fluids through nanoparticle dispersions can lead to enhanced energy conversion in systems dependent on radiative transport. By adjusting the size, shape, material, volume fraction and particle structure drastic modification can be achieved leading to enhanced efficiency within systems such as solar collectors, and night sky radiators. A summary review of the mechanisms that lead to enhanced efficiency are presented as well as new topics such as dynamic radiative property control with core-shell multifunctional nanoparticles.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationTechnical Proceedings of the 2011 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2011
Pages445-448
Number of pages4
StatePublished - 2011
EventNanotechnology 2011: Electronics, Devices, Fabrication, MEMS, Fluidics and Computational - 2011 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2011 - Boston, MA, United States
Duration: Jun 13 2011Jun 16 2011

Publication series

NameTechnical Proceedings of the 2011 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2011
Volume2

Other

OtherNanotechnology 2011: Electronics, Devices, Fabrication, MEMS, Fluidics and Computational - 2011 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston, MA
Period6/13/116/16/11

Keywords

  • Core-shell
  • Energy
  • Nanoparticles
  • Radiative properties

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hardware and Architecture
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Using nanofluids to enhance the operation of solar energy systems'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this