327
Views
3
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Research Article

Energy, exergy, and environmental assessments of a direct absorption parabolic trough collector based on nanofluid volume absorption approach

& ORCID Icon
Pages 4230-4255 | Received 29 Sep 2021, Accepted 20 Apr 2022, Published online: 17 May 2022
 

ABSTRACT

The transient behavior of a direct absorption parabolic trough collector (DAPTC) is simulated numerically to assess its energy and exergy efficiencies as well as the environmental effects. In this regard, a one-dimensional code is developed in matrix laboratory (MATLAB) software based on introducing a new approach of fluid volume absorption. The energy, exergy, and environmental analyses of a DAPTC have been carried out. Different volumetric fractions of CuO nanoparticles (i.e., 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1%) were dispersed in the water to produce a nanofluid as a heat transfer fluid. Obtained results have a little aberration with available experimental data, which indicates that the proposed new approach of fluid volume absorption is reasonable for modeling. Generally, a DAPTC shows better thermal efficiency than an indirect absorption one. Also, adding more nanoparticles to the water and increasing the diameter of the absorber tube can increase the thermal and exergy efficiencies up to 61.3 and 31.5%, respectively. Conversely, increasing the flow rate of heat transfer fluid as well as its inlet temperature can reduce the thermal efficiency. Finally, an environmental study is conducted to evaluate the amount of water consumption and CO2 emission.

Graphical Abstract

Acknowledgment

The Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) is gratefully acknowledged for financial support of this work (Project No. 98009938).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Iran National Science Foundation [98009938].

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.