The influence of using MWCNT/ZnO-Water hybrid nanofluid on the thermal and electrical performance of a Photovoltaic/Thermal system

Abstract

Rising photovoltaic panel temperatures significantly compromise their performance and lifespan, leading to lower power output and conversion efficiency. Consequently, research on PV panel cooling strategies has gained momentum to address these challenges. This study presents an experimental investigation of a photovoltaic/thermal system's performance using a cooling fluid – a multi-walled carbon nanotube/zinc oxide nanofluid. A comparative analysis is conducted on three PV panels: uncooled, water-cooled, and nanofluid-cooled. Notably, our experiment employed a low mass flow rate (0.156 kg/min), significantly lower than typical values reported in prior literature, and a 0.1 wt% nanofluid concentration. Our primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of MWCNT/ZnO nanofluid in enhancing the thermal management and overall efficiency of a PVT system. This study focused on the impact of nanofluid on electrical efficiency, thermal efficiency, and exergy performance of the system. The results demonstrate significant improvements. The key findings of this investigation reveal that MWCNT/ZnO nanofluid effectively improves the base fluid's thermal properties, leading to substantial enhancements in both electrical and thermal efficiencies of the PVT system. Compared to the uncooled panel, the nanofluid achieved a maximum temperature reduction of 14.9 °C on the panel surface, a 16.8 % increase in average electrical efficiency, and a maximum thermal efficiency of 51.3 % compared to 45.5 % for water cooling. Moreover, the average overall efficiency of the system with nanofluid cooling reached 58.7 %. Furthermore, the implementation of MWCNT/ZnO nanofluid cooling resulted in a significant boost in maximum overall exergy efficiency, surpassing water cooling and conventional systems by 7 % and 27 %, respectively. Additionally, a 3.5 % reduction in entropy generation and exergy destruction was observed compared to the conventional system.