Investigation of annual thermal performance and techno-economical analyses of direct absorption solar collector by using nanofluids

Abstract

In this study, the annual thermal performance and techno-economic analyses of a direct absorption solar collector (DASC) using nanofluids were investigated. According to the results of numerical analysis the difference between the specific heat gains was 126.5 W/m2, where difference for annual energy saving or enhancement for solar energy converting to useful was 224 kW/m2a. To sum up utilization of MWCNTs (0.05%) based nanofluids as heat transfer fluids in PTC supported the 13,5% of thermal efficiency in comparison of water. Furthermore, when nanofluids are used as a heat carrier in a solar collector, the cost of 1 kWh of thermal energy is 0.029 $/kWh, and when water is used, it is 0.034 $/kWh. The payback period of the initial investment amount of the nanofluid solar collector is 3.96 years, where the interest rate of the bank is calculated at 23%, and the payback period of the initial investment amount of the water solar collector is 3.99 years.