Influence of nanoparticles on thermal performance augmentation in solar collectors: a review

Nanoparticles represent an emerging generation of materials that garnered substantial attention in research endeavors. Increasingly, compelling evidence supports the notion that nanoparticles exhibit superior aptitude in diverse heat transfer applications compared to traditional fluids. The specific category of nanoparticles dispersed within the foundational fluid is pivotal in influencing these fluids’ thermal characteristics. The impact of nanoparticles on solar thermal collector thermal efficiency is investigated in detail in this research. It shows that while carbon-based nanofluids are excellent at increasing thermal conductivity, base fluids can have their thermal efficiency increased by up to 28% when metal oxide nanoparticles, such as Al₂O₃, are added. Additionally, the analysis clarifies which types of nanoparticles are best suited for different solar collector applications, highlighting areas that need more research, like the creation of hybrid nanofluids to maximize stability and performance. The main conclusions are outlined, and prospective directions for further investigation are offered. It’s critical to emphasize that this review focuses on nanofluids that use a specific nanoparticle.