Computational Study of Crossed-Cavity Hybrid Nanofluid Turbulent Forced Convection for Enhanced Concentrated Solar Panel Cooling

Abstract

The phenomena of turbulent forced convection were investigated in a cross-shaped enclosure with an (Al2O3-Cu)/water hybrid nano-fluid. This design aims to solve the problem of overheating concentrated solar panels due to crossed solar cells in semiarid climates. The cavity’s upper horizontal and left vertical walls are kept at high temperatures, while the lower flat and suitable vertical walls are considered adiabatic. The cavity contains two inlets and one outlet. Using the finite element method, we solved the equations that controlled our situation and defined the expected turbulent flow regime for Reynolds values between 4000 and 20000. Additionally, the effects of various hybrid nano-fluid concentrations (ranging from 0% to 2%) were assessed. The optimal settings were found to raise the average Nusselt number, decrease the temperature, and improve cell efficiency. The efficiency of concentrated solar panels increased from 30.684% at Re = 4000 to 32.438% at Re = 20000 due to improved cooling.