Synergistic effects of cadmium telluride and graphite nanoparticles with entropy analysis through Keller-box method

Motivated by the growing demand for high-efficiency photovoltaic systems, this research innovatively explores the enhancement of solar cell efficiency and thermal regulation through the strategic combination of cadmium telluride and graphite nanoparticles in water. It compares hybrid nanofluids ($\mathrm{CdTe}$+$C$+$H_{2}O$) with mono nanofluids ($\mathrm{CdTe}$+$H_{2}O$) across two distinct stagnation-point flows: Crane's stretching flow (Hiemenz flow) and radial stretching flow (Homann flow). The novelty of the study stems from the synergistic properties of these nanoparticles, as cadmium telluride excels in converting sunlight into electricity, while graphite offers thermal stability and energy storage potential, making their combination a powerful tool for optimizing a system. In addition, the effects of critical factors, such as permeability, Joule heating, the Hall effect, energy generation/absorption, and irreversibility, are meticulously studied for spherical-shaped particles in both profiles. Numerical solutions are derived using the Keller-Box Method in MATLAB, demonstrating the method's accuracy in solving nonlinear problems. The results conclusively demonstrate that hybrid nanofluids offer superior thermal conductivity and heat management compared to mono nanofluids. Notably, radiative heat transfer is the dominant mechanism in boosting solar cell energy output and improving thermal insulation. The stretching-strain rate ratio augments the energy transport rate while reducing frictional forces. The study also finds that Crane's stretching flow exhibits more pronounced effects, displaying stronger thermal conductivity and superior suitability for photovoltaic cells. These findings underscore the potential of hybrid nanofluids in next-generation solar energy systems.