Enhanced thermophysical properties in spinel CuFe ₂ O ₄ ‐based nanofluids for concentrated solar power

Abstract

Concentrating solar power (CSP) technology has been recognized as a technology with high potential to reduce greenhouse gas emission and to transform the electric generation system towards zero emissions. But, the energy conversion between solar to electric energy should be improved, and for this, the use of higher efficient heat transfer fluid (HTF) is one of the main challenges to reach. Then, a promising strategy is the use of nanofluids as HTF in CSP plants. Thus, in this work, CuFe 2 O 4 -based nanofluids have been tested in the main properties, such as long-term stability, and rheological and thermal properties. The results showed that the nanofluids reached the physical and chemical stability. Additionally, at 363 K, the relative thermal conductivity of the nanofluids was improved by up to 68.5% in the case of the nanofluid with the highest concentration of both nanoparticles and surfactant. Finally, the efficiency of these nanofluids was analysed considering the possible application in CSP plants. An enhancement of up to 35% in efficiency was found.