Applications of nanofluids in photovoltaic thermal systems: A review of recent advances

Abstract

The aim of this study is to present a critical review of the impact of nanofluids on the performance enhancement of PV/T systems. The review has analyzed the effects of nanoparticle type, size, volume fraction and concentration ratio on the performance of PV/T systems. Furthermore, the type of base-fluid, flow channels, and flow types have also been studied comprehensively in relation to nanofluids characteristics and properties. Results have shown that the inclusion of nanofluid enhances the overall efficiency of the PV/T systems. It has been concluded that the organic fluids are better base fluids than water, and nanofluids with better thermal conductivity enhance the maximum efficiency once optimum size, volume fraction and correct concentration ratio of nanofluid are selected. Moreover, straight microchannel and the addition of Fe3O4, SiC and TiO2 nanofluids with low concentration ratio provides better efficiency and flexibility. The motive beyond that is the micro-channels turbulent flow occurs at low Reynolds number. Accordingly, maximum efficiency can be obtained at higher velocity laminar flows. Increasing the velocity to higher ranges of turbulent flow does not allow proper time for heat transfer and can cause clustering of nanoparticles. The observations of this review are proposed to PV/T systems and it is helpful for the thermal system design practitioners towards achieving high efficiency in any thermal system. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.