Exploring double-diffusive convection in ferromagnetic Carreau nanofluid with magnetic dipole: Insights for solar thermal systems over plate, wedge, and stagnation

Abstract

The use of ferromagnetic Carreau nanofluid in solar thermal systems enhances heat transfer and magnetic effects, optimizing solar collector design, improving solar power efficiency, and innovating nanofluid-based solar heaters and energy storage. Magnetic nanostructures significantly impact viscosity and thermophysical properties, influencing Ferrofluids' magneto-viscous nature. The investigation illustrates double-diffusive convection in radiative flow past three different geometries of ferromagnetic Carreau nanofluid, emphasizing the novel discussion of diffuse-thermal and thermo-diffusion impacts. Numerical solutions are obtained using the shooting technique with the Runge-Kutta fourth-order approach. Graphs and numerical data in tables depict the impacts of pertinent parameters. The study reveals that the radiation parameter, Soret parameter, and Dufour parameter contribute to temperature improvement as they are enhanced. These findings showcase the potential for advancing solar thermal systems through the utilization of ferromagnetic Carreau nanofluid, offering insights for sustainable solar energy applications. As the thermophoresis parameter increases from 0.001 to 0.005, the percentage change in the Nusselt number decreases for all three locations: Plate (0.90 %–0.66 %), Wedge (0.77 %–0.62 %), and Stagnation Point (0.62 %–0.54 %). This indicates that while the absolute values of the Nusselt numbers increase, the rate of change becomes smaller as increases.