Smoothed/profile lattice Boltzmann method for hydrothermal analysis of a corrugated parabolic-trough solar collector filled with nanofluid predicted by Koo–Kleinstreuer–Li model

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to employ a modern numerical approach for conducting the simulations, which uses the smoothed-profile lattice Boltzmann method. Two separate distribution functions for flow and temperature fields are used to solve the Navier–Stokes equations in the most efficient manner. In addition, the Koo–Kleinstreuer–Li model is used to calculate the dynamic viscosity and thermal conductivity in the desired volume fractions, and the effect of Brownian motion is taken into consideration. Design/methodology/approach Nowadays, because of enhanced global price of oil and critical issue of global warming, a significant demand for using renewable energy exists. The solar energy is one of the most popular forms of renewable energy. The solar collector can be used to collect and trap the energy received from the sun. The present work focuses on introducing and investigating a parabolic-trough solar collector. Findings To analyze all hydrodynamic and thermal views of the solar collector, the structure of nanofluid stream, distribution of temperature, local dissipations because of flow and heat transfer, volumetric entropy production, Bejan number vs Rayleigh number and volume fraction are presented. Also, three different configurations for profile of solar receiver are designed and studied. Originality/value The originality of the present work is in using a modern numerical approach for a well-known application. Also, the effect of Brownian motion is taken into account which significantly enhances the accuracy.