Performance evaluation of nanofluids in solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems: A comprehensive review

Nanofluids, due to their superior thermal properties, have immense applications in heat transfer process. In view of this, nanofluids, as working fluids in solar thermal systems, have gained importance. This review emphasizes the properties of nanofluids for solar thermal applications as well as typical nanomaterials and analyses experimental and numerical investigations on solar thermal systems utilizing nanofluids along with typical experimental setups and calculation methods used for determination of the performance of nanofluids in the same. The effect of nanoparticles concentration, flowrate, ambient temperature, solar intensity and inlet temperature on the solar thermal system performance utilizing nanofluids is also discussed. Further, challenges occurring during application of nanofluids in solar thermal systems are specified along with recommendations for scaling up of nanofluid-based solar thermal systems.

Automated summary

This review discusses the application of nanofluids in solar thermal systems, including performance, nanomaterials, experimental and numerical investigations, as well as factors influencing the performance of the solar thermal system. Additionally, challenges and recommendations for scaling up nanofluid-based solar thermal systems are specified.