Performance analysis of internally helically v-grooved absorber tubes using nanofluid

Abstract With the depletion of fossil fuel effective utilization and efficient collection of solar energy has gained popularity in the recent days. In the present study an attempt is made for the performance improvement of parabolic trough collector (PTC) by modifying absorber tube with internally helically groove. Further, base working fluid of water is replaced with Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanofluid (3-8% by volume) for better thermal performance. Tests are performed considering 600, 800, and 1000 W/m2 heat flux at the tube outer surface. ANSYS Fluent 14.0 is used to simulate the problem considering two distinct Reynolds number (Re) of 4000 and 6000. Results indicate that with the increase in concentration of Al2O3 from 3% to 8%, pressure drop is increased by 14.5%. Heat transfer coefficient is enhanced by as high as 13.8% with the nanofluid compared to base fluid working at heat flux of 1000 W/m2 and Re = 4000. Further, increase in the value of Re from 4000 to 6000 heat transfer coefficient with nanofluid is increased by as high as 41.3%.