Energy simulation of a nanofluid solar cooling system in Italy

Abstract

In this study, the performance of a solar cooling system, composed of a water–lithium bromide vapour absorption chiller fed by thermal solar flat-plate collectors and an external heater, has been investigated in Italy, pointing out the difference in heating energy saving related to the efficiency of the heat transfer fluid. In particular, two working fluids, water and nanofluid (3·0 vol% aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles in bidistilled water), have been simulated, showing a significant increment, up to 36·54%, of the heating energy saving, when the nanofluid was employed. Therefore, this work demonstrated that the working fluid can be a key factor for performance improvements in solar cooling systems. Furthermore, in view of the need to increase the efficiency of renewable energy systems, these results suggest the possibility of using nanofluids in several systems characterised by closed-loop working fluids, in order to improve their performance.