An intuitive framework for optimizing energetic and exergetic performances of parabolic trough solar collectors operating with nanofluids.

Enhancing the thermal efficiency of parabolic trough collectors (PTCs) is essential for establishing CSP as a sustainable technology. This study proposes a simple procedure for evaluating, predicting, and optimizing the energetic and exergetic performances of PTCs operating with nanofluids. A coupled optical-thermal model is developed to simulate the turbulent flow of three common synthetic oils (Therminol VP-1, Syltherm 800, and Dowtherm Q) mixed with different nanoparticles (Al 2 O 3 , CuO, and SiO 2) with different concentrations, under typical operating conditions of PTCs. The simulation results are fed to a soft-computing algorithm to develop prediction models that act as fitness functions in the multi-objective optimization process. For the considered range of input parameters and by assigning equal weights for the two optimization objectives (energy and exergy efficiencies), optimal design conditions corresponded to a PTC operating with CuO/Dowtherm Q nanofluid (volumetric concentration of 0.243%), at a direct irradiance level of 1000 W/m2, an inlet temperature of 240.793 °C, and a Reynolds number of 2.915E+05. These conditions led to energy and exergy efficiencies of 69.913 and 32.088%, respectively. The proposed procedure is described in detail to facilitate its adaptation and extension to other nanofluids, operating conditions, or other concentrating solar collectors. Image 1 • A procedure is proposed for optimizing the performance of PTC with nanofluids. • Optical, thermal, prediction and optimization models are developed and validated. • 3840 combinations of nanofluids and operating conditions are studied. • Optimal solutions of the multi-objective optimization problem are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]