Optical properties of liquids for direct absorption solar thermal energy systems

Otanicar, Todd; Phelan, Patrick E.; Golden, Jay S.

doi:10.1016/j.solener.2008.12.009

Cited by 388 publications

(123 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Depending on their geometry, size, and materials, nanoparticles can show plasmonic absorption in certain spectral bands. The base liquids also can be selected to absorb long wavelengths with a cut-off in near IR range [47,48]. Although this is a promising option, more research is required to address some challenges such as the following:…”

Section: Emerging Spectral Splitting Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Spectral light management for solar energy conversion systems

2016

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Due to the inherent broadband nature of the solar radiation, combined with the narrow spectral sensitivity range of direct solar to electricity devices, there is a massive opportunity to manipulate the solar spectrum to increase the functionality and efficiency of solar energy conversion devices. Spectral splitting or manipulation facilitates the efficient combination of both high-temperature solar thermal systems, which can absorb over the entire solar spectrum to create heat, and photovoltaic cells, which only convert a range of wavelengths to electricity. It has only recently been possible, with the development of nanofabrication techniques, to integrate micro-and nano-photonic structures as spectrum splitters/manipulators into solar energy conversion devices. In this paper, we summarize the recent developments in beam splitting techniques, and highlight some relevant applications including combined PV-thermal collectors and efficient algae production, and suggest paths for future development in this field.

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Section: Emerging Spectral Splitting Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Glycols such as propylene glycol and ethylene glycol have suitable IR absorption [47], which is due to the O-H bond in their molecular structure. Their boiling points are less than 197 ∘ C and 188 ∘ C respectively.…”

Section: Emerging Spectral Splitting Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spectral light management for solar energy conversion systems

2016

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“…In recent years, the study on the optical properties of water is becoming more and more sufficient [21,22] so that calculation and analysis of SiO2-water nanofluid transmittance in this thesis are based on the data on water absorption coefficient from existing work.…”

Section: Advances In Engineering Research Volume 134mentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation on optical theoretical models of SiO2 nanofluids

Huang¹,

Bai²,

Luo³

2018

Proceedings of the International Symposium on Mechanical Engineering and Material Science (ISMEMS 2017)

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Abstract-Photovoltaic and photovoltaic heat technology can be coupled by nanofluid-based solar direct absorption thermal collector. It is an important means to improve the efficiency of comprehensive utilization of solar energy. Nanofluids optical theory plays an important role in the development of new photovoltaic-thermal experimental platform. In addition, study on optical characteristics of nanofluids is still in the initial stage. As a result, it is of great significance for the study of the law and mechanism of it. In this paper, the Rayleigh scattering model and the Mie scattering model are used to analyze the critical optical characteristics --transmittances of the nanofluids. Furthermore, the consistency between different theoretical models and experimental datum is studied by contrast verification between experiments and theory calculation. The conclusion shows that Mie scattering model performs better than Rayleigh scattering model and expresses a better applicability in the development of photovoltaic thermal experimental platform. This theoretical study on optical characteristics of nanofluids is expected to prompt on the application of nanotechnology in the field of solar energy. It is also expected to improve the efficiency of comprehensive utilization of solar energy.

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“…Although they are not currently used as volumetric receivers, high temperature heat transfer fluids in existing solar thermal plants such as Therminol ® VP-1 (Solutia Inc.) and certain molten salts have solar-weighted absorption below 10% (Drotning, 1978;Otanicar et al, 2009a). For this reason, we assume that the absorptive index (k f ) of the carrier fluid in Band I is much smaller than its refractive index (i.e., N f ≈ n f ) in the following treatment.…”

Section: Radiative Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Optimization of nanofluid volumetric receivers for solar thermal energy conversion

2012

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Improvements in solar-to-thermal energy conversion will accelerate the development of efficient concentrated solar power systems. Nanofluid volumetric receivers, where nanoparticles in a liquid medium directly absorb solar radiation, promise increased performance over surface receivers by minimizing temperature differences between the absorber and the fluid, which consequently reduces emissive losses. We present a combined modeling and experimental study to optimize the efficiency of liquid-based solar receivers seeded with carbon-coated absorbing nanoparticles. A one-dimensional transient heat transfer model was developed to investigate the effect of solar concentration, nanofluid height, and optical thickness on receiver performance. Simultaneously, we experimentally investigated a cylindrical nanofluid volumetric receiver, and showed good agreement with the model for varying optical thicknesses of the nanofluid. Based on the model, the efficiency of nanofluid volumetric receivers increases with increasing solar concentration and nanofluid height. The total receiver-side efficiencies are predicted to exceed 35% when nanofluid volumetric receivers are coupled to a power cycle and optimized with respect to the optical thickness and solar exposure time. This work provides insights as to how nanofluids can be best utilized as volumetric receivers in solar applications, such as receivers with integrated storage for beam-down CSP and future high concentration solar thermal energy conversion systems.

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Optical properties of liquids for direct absorption solar thermal energy systems

Cited by 388 publications

References 14 publications

Spectral light management for solar energy conversion systems

Spectral light management for solar energy conversion systems

Investigation on optical theoretical models of SiO2 nanofluids

Optimization of nanofluid volumetric receivers for solar thermal energy conversion

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