Aerospace Mechanics

Aerospace Mechanics

Effect of Different Single Nanoparticles on the Performance of a Parabolic Trough Solar Receiver Equipped with Twisted-Tape Inserts

Document Type : Propulsion and Heat Transfer

Authors
Donya Sabaghchi 1
Mohammad Sadegh Abedinejad 2
ALI REZA Teymoori 3
1 Master's Degree, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
3 Master's Degree, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
10.47176/MAJ.2025.1558
Abstract
In this study, the thermal–hydraulic performance of a parabolic solar receiver equipped with twisted tapes inside the absorber tube is numerically investigated using various nanofluids. The studied nanofluids consist of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) , graphene, silicon carbide (SiC), zinc oxide (ZnO), and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles dispersed in Syltherm 800 as the base fluid at volume concentrations of 1.0%, 3.0%, and 5.0%. Numerical simulations are performed using ANSYS Fluent with the realizable k–ε turbulence model over a Reynolds number range of 9200 to 115000. The results indicate that the addition of nanoparticles generally enhances the Nusselt number and improves heat transfer performance; however, the magnitude of enhancement strongly depends on the nanoparticle type and its volume concentration. Among the investigated nanofluids, aluminum oxide and silicon carbide at a concentration of 3.0% provide the best compromise between heat transfer enhancement and pressure drop. In contrast, graphene exhibits the highest thermal enhancement at a concentration of 5.0%. Overall, the findings demonstrate the significant potential of nanofluids for improving the performance of parabolic solar collectors.

Graphical Abstract

Effect of Different Single Nanoparticles on the Performance of a Parabolic Trough Solar Receiver Equipped with Twisted-Tape Inserts
Keywords
Thermal Enhancement Factor
Nanofluids
Temperature
Parabolic Trough Receiver
Twisted Tape
Solar Collector
Subjects


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Aerospace Mechanics
Volume 22, Issue 2 - Serial Number 84
Summer
Summer 2026
Pages 25-42

  • Receive Date 11 April 2026
  • Revise Date 06 June 2026
  • Accept Date 18 June 2026
  • Publish Date 01 August 2026