Case Studies in Thermal Engineering (Dec 2023)
Thermal performance evaluation of solar collector with rice husk Graphene-PCM: Bioengineering approach
Abstract
The thermal properties of paraffin wax were upgraded by utilizing rice husk-derived graphene nanoparticles. In terms of performance, the stability of NPEPCM is an essential aspect. The stability of REPCM is checked using surfactants (CTAB, SDBS, SDS) and sonication time. An increment in the thermal conductivity of paraffin wax was perceived. Maximum conductivity of 0.59 Wm−1K−1 was achieved at 304 K for 1.5 wt% of RGP’s. The maximum thermal conductivity of 0.69 Wm−1K−1 was achieved using pure Graphene at 304 K. Using RGPEPW at different concentrations of RGP’s, the thermal efficiency was calculated for different flow rates of fluid and solar irradiance, and the consequence of the abridged temperature coefficient on the efficiency of FPSC observed. Maximum efficiencies of 67.5 % and 63.9 % were noted for 1 wt% of graphene nanoparticles and 1.5 wt% of RGPs at a 3 Lt/min flow rate, respectively. The improvement of 29.8 % and 22.8 % in the efficiency of FPSC is observed for 1 wt per cent of Graphene and 1.5 wt per cent of RGPs, respectively. Using RGPEPW with a 9.2 % increment in the outlet, the temperature was noticed in the afternoon at a 1.2 Lt/min flow rate. The bioengineering approach gives an understanding of engineering, biology, and environmental science involvement in the present study.
