Hybrid optimization algorithm for thermal analysis in a solar parabolic trough collector based on nanofluid

In recent years, many research works focused on improving and reducing the cost of solar collectors. This paper focuses upon the development of an efficient modeling and optimization of solar collector. The approach adopted in modeling utilizes a parabolic trough collector absorber tube with non-uniform heat flux, fully developed mixed convection flow and Al2O3/synthetic oil as a base fluid. Optimization of thermal analysis in a solar trough collector using nanofluid is non-convex, non-linear and computationally intensive process. In order to overcome these difficulties, a hybrid optimization method involving GA (genetic algorithm) and SQP (sequential quadratic programming) is introduced in the optimization process. The optimization problem used in this study involves maximization of a non-dimensional correlation consisting of Nusselt number and pressure drop with Reynolds and Richardson number which are used as design constraints. The methodology implemented within an integrated environment involving Matlab, Gambit and Fluent. The results obtained show that heat transfer enhancement has a direct relationship with the nanoparticle concentration ratio whereas it has inverse relationship with the operational temperature. In addition, the results show that the proposed methodology provides an effective way of solving thermal analysis in a solar parabolic trough collectors based on simulation models.

[1]  Robert A. Taylor,et al.  Nanofluid-based direct absorption solar collector , 2010 .

[2]  Alibakhsh Kasaeian,et al.  Heat transfer enhancement in parabolic trough collector tube using Al2O3/synthetic oil nanofluid , 2014 .

[3]  Lin Lu,et al.  Thermal performance of an open thermosyphon using nanofluids for high-temperature evacuated tubular solar collectors: Part 1: Indoor experiment , 2011 .

[4]  Wenhua Yu,et al.  The role of interfacial layers in the enhanced thermal conductivity of nanofluids: A renovated Hamilton–Crosser model , 2004 .

[5]  Hongguang Jin,et al.  Modeling and optimizing parabolic trough solar collector systems using the least squares support vector machine method , 2012 .

[6]  Ya-Ling He,et al.  A MCRT and FVM coupled simulation method for energy conversion process in parabolic trough solar collector , 2011 .

[7]  Sh. Nasiri Vatan,et al.  Experimental investigation of hydrodynamics and heat transfer characteristics of γ-Al2O3/water under laminar flow inside a horizontal tube , 2013 .

[8]  Yang Xu,et al.  Comparative and sensitive analysis for parabolic trough solar collectors with a detailed Monte Carlo ray-tracing optical model , 2014 .

[9]  Somchai Wongwises,et al.  Entropy generation during Al2O3/water nanofluid flow in a solar collector: Effects of tube roughness, nanoparticle size, and different thermophysical models , 2014 .

[10]  Ali Bakhsh Kasaeian.  Convection Heat Transfer Modeling of Ag Nanofluid Using Different Viscosity Theories , 2012 .

[11]  I. Pop,et al.  A review of the applications of nanofluids in solar energy , 2013 .

[12]  Robert A. Taylor,et al.  Applicability of nanofluids in high flux solar collectors , 2011 .

[13]  Klaus Schittkowski,et al.  A comparative performance evaluation of 27 nonlinear programming codes , 1983, Computing.

[14]  Larbi Loukarfi,et al.  Estimation of the temperature, heat gain and heat loss by solar parabolic trough collector under Algerian climate using different thermal oils , 2013 .

[15]  D. Laforgia,et al.  Modelling and optimization of transparent parabolic trough collector based on gas-phase nanofluids , 2013 .

[16]  Dnyaneshwar R. Waghole,et al.  Experimental Investigations on Heat Transfer and Friction Factor of Silver Nanofliud in Absorber/Receiver of Parabolic Trough Collector with Twisted Tape Inserts , 2014 .

[17]  Ruzhu Wang,et al.  Experimental investigation of a new-style double-tube heat exchanger for heating crude oil using solar hot water , 2005 .

[18]  E. Wang,et al.  Optimization of nanofluid volumetric receivers for solar thermal energy conversion , 2011 .

[19]  Davood Domiri Ganji,et al.  EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON THE VISCOSITY OF NANOFLUIDS , 2012 .

[20]  Juan Xiao,et al.  Three-dimensional numerical study of heat transfer characteristics in the receiver tube of parabolic trough solar collector , 2010 .

[21]  Todd Otanicar,et al.  Solar Energy Harvesting Using Nanofluids-Based Concentrating Solar Collector , 2012 .

[22]  M. Berenguel,et al.  Thermo-economic design optimization of parabolic trough solar plants for industrial process heat applications with memetic algorithms , 2014 .

[23]  Y. Xuan,et al.  Aggregation structure and thermal conductivity of nanofluids , 2003 .

[24]  T. Yousefi,et al.  An experimental investigation on the effect of MWCNT-H2O nanofluid on the efficiency of flat-plate solar collectors , 2012 .

[25]  Kun Wang,et al.  A detailed parameter study on the comprehensive characteristics and performance of a parabolic trough solar collector system , 2014 .

[26]  T. Yousefi,et al.  An experimental investigation on the effect of Al2O3–H2O nanofluid on the efficiency of flat-plate solar collectors , 2012 .

[27]  K. Khanafer,et al.  A critical synthesis of thermophysical characteristics of nanofluids , 2011 .

[28]  Chii-Dong Ho,et al.  The recycle effect on the collector efficiency improvement of double-pass sheet-and-tube solar water heaters with external recycle , 2006 .

[29]  Yujin Hwang,et al.  Convective heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids under laminar and turbulent flow conditions , 2009 .

[30]  Hussain Al-Madani,et al.  The performance of a cylindrical solar water heater , 2006 .