Work

Techno-economic and life cycle analysis of a nano-enhanced flat plate solar collector for improved thermal performance

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the possible enhancement in the realm of the thermal effectiveness of a FPSC(FPSC) by incorporating nanofluids based on water. The performance of Si3N4/H20, TiO2/water, and Al2O3/ H20 nanofluids is thoroughly examined using a systematic approach revealing that Si3N4 nanofluid exhibits superior characteristics in terms of thermal conductivity, density, and specific heat, exhibiting improvements of 1.59%, 4.8%, and 0.55% over titanium oxide, respectively. Two volume fractions of Si3N4/H2O nanofluid (0.05% and 0.09%) are scrutinized, revealing promising enhancements in key properties, particularly with the latter fraction. Utilizing Si3N4/H2O nanofluid in flat plate collectors achieves a greatest efficiency of 75%, coupled with and 8% boost in thermal efficiency and a 6.1% reduction in collector area compared to the base fluid. A comparative analysis with current literature suggests the favorable efficiency enhancement of Si3N4/water nanofluid, positioning it as a prospective nanofluid for future applications in FPSCs. A comprehensive 25-year life cycle analysis, conducted with Eco Audit CES Edu Pack software, which demonstrates the economic and environmental strengths of the proposed system.

Source: Energy Nexus

DOI: 10.1016/j.nexus.2025.100433

Authors: Shek Rahman, Salah Issa, Zafar Said, Ahmed Amine Hachicha

Institutions: University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates University

Language: English

Topic: Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,200