Optimizing MWCNT-Based Nanofluids for Photovoltaic/Thermal Cooling through Preparation Parameters

Miqdam T Chaichan; Hussein A Kazem; Moafaq K S Al-Ghezi; Ali H A Al-Waeli; Ali J Ali; Kamaruzzaman Sopian; Abdul Amir H Kadhum; Wan Nor Roslam Wan Isahak; Mohd S Takriff; Ahmed A Al-Amiery

doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c07226

Optimizing MWCNT-Based Nanofluids for Photovoltaic/Thermal Cooling through Preparation Parameters

ACS Omega. 2023 Aug 8;8(33):29910-29925. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07226. eCollection 2023 Aug 22.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Energy and Renewable Energies Technology Research Center, University of Technology, Baghdad 10001, Iraq.
² Faculty of Engineering, Sohar University, PO Box 44, Sohar PCI 311, Oman.
³ Solar Energy Research Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 B angi, Selangor, Malaysia.
⁴ Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Technology, Baghdad 10001, Iraq.
⁵ Engineering Department, American University of Iraq, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Sulaimani 46001, Iraq.
⁶ Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology, Baghdad 10001, Iraq.
⁷ Faculty of Medicine, University of Al-Ameed, Karbala 56001, Iraq.
⁸ Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43000, Selangor, Malaysia.

Abstract

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were employed as added particles for nanofluids in this practical investigation. To identify the most appropriate nanofluid for cooling PVT systems that are functional in the extreme summer environment of Baghdad, the parameters of base fluid, surfactant, and sonication time used for mixing were examined. Water was chosen as the base fluid instead of other potential candidates such as ethylene glycol (EG), propylene glycol (PG), and heat transfer oil (HTO). Thermal conductivity and stability were important thermophysical qualities that were impacted by the chosen parameters. The nanofluid tested in Baghdad city (consisting of 0.5% MWCNTs, water, and CTAB with a sonication period of three and a quarter hours) resulted in a 119.5, 308, and 210% enhancement of thermal conductivity (TC) for water compared with EG, PG, and oil, respectively. In addition, the nanofluid-cooled PVT system had an electrical efficiency that was 88.85% higher than standalone PV technology and 44% higher than water-cooled PVT systems. Moreover, the thermal efficiency of the nanofluid-cooled PVT system was 20% higher than the water-cooled PVT system. Finally, the nanofluid-cooled PVT system displayed the least decrease in electrical efficiency and a greater thermal efficiency even when the PV panel was at its hottest at noon.