Modified Nano-Fe2O3-Paraffin Wax for Efficient Photovoltaic/Thermal System in Severe Weather Conditions

Abstract

The development of modern photovoltaic thermal systems (PV/T) is one of the most important steps in the application of using solar energy to produce both electricity and heat. Studies have shown that a system consisting of a heat-collecting tank the is most efficient system, in which the phase change materials (PCMs) are mixed with nanoparticles inside the system that are cooled by a cooling fluid (preferably a nanofluid). The PCMs have a high capacity to store energy in the form of latent heat. Nanoparticles are added to PCMs to treat and improve the low thermal conductivity of these materials. In this experimental study, nano-iron oxide III (Fe2O3) was added to paraffin wax in multiple mass fractions to evaluate the thermophysical changes that can be occur on the wax properties. Four samples of paraffin–nano-Fe2O3 were prepared with mass fractions of 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 3%, and their thermophysical properties were compared with pure paraffin (without nano additives). The results from this study showed that adding nano-Fe2O3 at any mass fraction increases the viscosity and density of the product. Thermal conductivity is improved by adding nano-Fe2O3 to paraffin wax by 10.04%, 57.14%, 76.19%, and 78.57% when adding mass fractions of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3%, respectively. Stability tests showed that the prepared samples have excellent thermal stability (especially for 0.5% and 1% added nano-Fe2O3) to acceptable level of stability when adding 3% of nano-Fe2O3. The nano-Fe2O3 paraffin PV/T system was tested outdoors to ensure its ability to operate in the harshest weather conditions of Baghdad city. The current experimental results indicated clear evidence of the success of the examined nano-PCM.

Harnessing Nanomaterials for Enhanced Energy Efficiency in Transpired Solar Collectors: A Review of Their Integration in Phase-Change Materials

“…The combination of Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles with metallic fins in PCM storages [85,86] has shown even better results; indeed, solidification and melting time can be reduced by 12 and 6.4%, respectively. The findings from [70] indicate that the inclusion of nano-Fe 2 O 3 at any mass fraction leads to a higher viscosity and density of the resulting mixture. The introduction of nano-Fe 2 O 3 into paraffin wax results in a notable enhancement of thermal conductivity, with improvements of 10.04%, 57.14%, 76.19%, and 78.57% observed when mass fractions of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3% are added, respectively.…”

“…Their presence can facilitate better heat transfer and temperature regulation within the storage medium, according to Chaichan M.T. et al [70]. Nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) is known for its versatile properties and has been considered for low-temperature TES applications.…”

Why Carbon Nanotubes Improve Aqueous Nanofluid Thermal Conductivity: A Qualitative Model

“…The quantification of the relationship between CNT concentration and thermal conductivity enhancement allows for the optimization of CNT concentration for specific application. Chaichan et al [78] showed that CNT nanofluid thermal conductivity increased with increased MWCNT concentration, Figure 6a. The results are also in congruence with simulation results reported earlier [79], Figure 6b.…”

Enhancement of energy storage in nanocomposite thin films: Investigating PVDF-ZnO and PVDF-TZO for improved dielectric and ferroelectric characteristics

“…Apart from ZnO, there exist other metal oxide materials that can be used as nanofillers such as TiO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 , NiO, and SnO 2 [29][30][31][32]. Among these metal oxides, a combination of TiO 2 and ZnO as a nanofiller is used with several polymers and polymeric nanocomposites for multifunctional applications [33][34][35].…”