In a groundbreaking study published in ‘Scientific Reports’, researchers have unveiled significant advancements in the thermal performance of thermal energy storage (TES) systems, particularly through the innovative use of nanofluids in solar collectors. The research, led by Nidhal Ben Khedher from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the College of Engineering, University of Ha’il, explores the interplay of variable viscosity, activation energy, and microgravity effects on the efficiency of these systems.
As the world increasingly pivots towards sustainable energy solutions, the findings from this research could have far-reaching implications for the energy sector. By enhancing the efficiency of solar collectors, which are crucial for harnessing solar energy, the study promises to improve the overall performance of TES systems that utilize phase change materials and photovoltaic cells. “Our research demonstrates that by optimizing the properties of nanofluids, we can significantly enhance heat and mass transfer, which are critical for the efficiency of thermal energy storage systems,” Khedher noted.
The study employs a sophisticated mathematical model to simulate the oscillatory heat transfer in TES, revealing that lower viscosity in nanofluids leads to increased fluid velocity, albeit with a decrease in temperature and concentration variations. This nuanced understanding of how activation energy and microgravity can amplify the thermal performance of solar collectors opens doors for innovative applications in various sectors, from electronic cooling devices to large-scale solar power generation.
Moreover, the research highlights the importance of thermophoretic and Brownian motion in enhancing heat and mass transmission, suggesting that optimizing these factors could lead to significant improvements in energy efficiency. The findings also indicate that as the Prandtl and Schmidt numbers increase, so does the amplitude and frequency of oscillations in heat transport and mass transfer, which could further optimize the performance of solar collectors.
With a mere 0.00064% error in heat transport and 0.00102% in mass transmission during validation, the precision of this study demonstrates its potential for real-world applications. As Khedher emphasized, “The commercial viability of these findings could revolutionize how we approach energy storage and utilization, particularly in regions where solar energy is abundant.”
This research not only contributes to the scientific community’s understanding of thermal energy storage but also positions itself as a catalyst for future developments in energy technologies. By enhancing the efficiency of solar collectors, it encourages a shift towards more sustainable energy practices that could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As the energy sector continues to evolve, studies like this pave the way for innovative solutions that address the pressing challenges of energy sustainability and efficiency.
For more information about the research and its implications, please visit the College of Engineering, University of Ha’il.