Numerical Investigation on Using MWCNT/Water Nanofluids in Photovoltaic Thermal System (PVT)

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Mohd Afzanizam Mohd Rosli, Cheong Jing Rou, Nortazi Sanusi, Siti Nur Dini Noordin Saleem, Nurfarhana Salimen, Safarudin Gazali Herawan, Norli Abdullah, Avita Ayu Permanasari, Zainal Arifin, Faridah Hussain

2022 Journal of Advanced Research in Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences Vol. 99 Issue 1 Article Cited by 18 Quartile

Abstract

Photovoltaic thermal systems (PVT) are solar energy conversion systems that produce both electricity and heat simultaneously. PVT systems seeking to minimize temperature of solar cells become more significant with the increased thermal and electrical efficiency of the working fluids (water and nanofluids) employed in the solar thermal system. The major objective of this research is to investigate the thermal, electrical and overall performance of the photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system with different weight fractions of MWCNT/water nanofluids (φ = 0.3%, 0.6% and 1%) and water. A sheet and tube PVT system model geometry, which has been simplified to rectangular PV cell, absorber plate, cylindrical pipe, and fluid domain geometries to investigate outlet and PV cell temperature of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system between different weight fractions of MWCNT/water nanofluids (φ = 0.3%, 0.6% and 1%) and water with varying fluid inlet velocities from 0.02 m/s to 0.08 m/s using ANSYS FLUENT. The results show that increasing the inlet fluid velocity and weight fraction of the working fluid improves thermal and electrical efficiency. The highest improvement in thermal and electrical efficiency at 0.08m/s inlet fluid velocity for the weight fractions, φ = 1% of MWCNT/water nanofluids is 7.8% and 0.03% compared to water. In addition, the weight fractions, φ = 0.3% of MWCNT/water nanofluids is 4.46% and 0.01% and the weight fractions, φ = 0.6% of MWCNT/water nanofluid is 6.72% and 0.02%. Additionally, the maximum increase of overall efficiency at 0.08m/s inlet fluid velocity for the weight fractions, φ = 1% of MWCNT/water nanofluids is 7.83% compared to water while the weight fractions, φ = 0.3% of MWCNT/water nanofluids is 4.43% and the weight fractions, φ = 0.6% of MWCNT/water nanofluid is 6.74% at inlet fluid velocity of 0.08 m/s. As a result of the research, it was discovered that using MWCNT/water nanofluids improves the performance of PVT systems. © 2022, Journal of Advanced Research in Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences. All Rights Reserved.

Affiliations

Fakulti Kejuruteraan Mekanikal, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya,Melaka, Durian Tunggal, 76100, Malaysia; Centre for Advanced Research on Energy, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya,Melaka, Durian Tunggal, 76100, Malaysia; Industrial Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, 11430, Indonesia; Chemistry Department, Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, State University of Malang, Jl. Semarang No.5,East Java, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sebelas Maret University, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta, Indonesia; SIRIM Standards Technology Sdn Bhd., Seksyen 14,Selangor, Shah Alam, 40200, Malaysia