Receiver parameter optimization for nanofluid-based parabolic trough concentrating plant: a case study

Abstract

ABSTRACT The disadvantage of using nanofluids as a heat transfer fluid in the Parabolic Trough Concentrating solar power plant is increased pressure drops. Therefore, more attention should be paid to optimizing the receiver pipe diameter. The aim of this study was to optimize a new receiver to study the industrial process performance of nanofluid-based Parabolic Trough Concentrating plants in 4 different regions in southern Algeria (Hassi rmel, In salah, Tamnrasset, and Bechar). Nanoparticles (Al2O3, CuO) were added to both base liquids (Dowtherm A, Therminol VP-1). The methodology is based on a two-step approach: first, the effects of nanoparticles and temperature on the thermophysical properties of nanofluids, such as thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and density, are numerically investigated using the MATLAB program; second, nanofluids properties are integrated into SAM (System Advisor Model) software to perform a 50 MW parabolic trough solar power plant with 25% of a backup system and nanofluids in heat transfer system for the different representative locations of the climate of Algeria. The results of the first part show that the addition of nanoparticles increases the thermal conductivity and density of the nanofluid by 11% and 23%, respectively, and the specific heat capacity is proportional to temperature. The most favorable site is Insalah with an optimal SM egale to 3 and a capacity factor of 51%. Finally, the use of nanofluids as a heat transfer fluid in solar power plants plays a great role in improving its efficiency, the best choice for nanofluids under Algerian climates is CuO/Dowtherm A with an optimal tube diameter of 0.07 m.