Nanofluids for Concentrating Solar Power Based on Cuo Nanoparticles and a Linear Silicone Fluid

Abstract

This study explores the potential use of CuO nanofluids in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fluid for concentrating solar power (CSP) applications. The research addresses the need for environmentally friendly and efficient heat transfer fluids as alternatives to traditional options, which often pose environmental and toxicity concerns. PDMS fluids, while offering benefits like high heat resistance and low pour points, suffer from lower thermal conductivity and heat capacity. The addition of CuO nanoparticles aims to enhance these properties. Thus, four nanofluids are prepared, varying the concentration of CuO nanoparticles and the addition of a surfactant. The analysis stability showed that the nanofluids reached a certain stability, but presented a low load of nanoparticles in suspension. The following key thermophysical properties are measured: density, surface tension, dynamic viscosity, isobaric specific heat, and thermal conductivity. The study also evaluated the performance of these nanofluids using a figure of merit specific to heat transfer in CSP plants and by analyzing the efficiency of a heat exchanger. The results showed enhancements in the heat transfer performance of up to 16%, particularly for the nanofluids with the highest CuO concentrations, while the heat exchanger efficiency improved by up to 10%.