Model development and heat transfer characteristics in renewable energy systems conveying hybrid nanofluids subject to nonlinear thermal radiation

Purpose In today’s world, the demand for energy to power industrial and domestic activities is increasing. To meet this need and enhance thermal transport, solar energy conservation can be tapped into via solar collector coating for thermal productivity. Hybrid nanofluids (HNFs), which combine nanoparticles with conventional heat transfer fluids, offer promising opportunities for improving the efficiency and sustainability of renewable energy systems. Thus, this paper explores fluid modeling application techniques to analyze and optimize heat transfer enhancement using HNFs. A model comprising solar energy radiation with nanoparticles of copper (Cu) and alumina oxide (Al2O3) suspended in water (H2O) over an extending material device is developed. Design/methodology/approach The model is formulated using conservation laws to build relevant equations, which are then solved using the Galerkin numerical technique simulated via Maple software. The computational results are displayed in various graphs and tables to showcase the heat transfer mechanism in the system. Findings The results reveal the thermal-radiation-boost heat transfer phenomenon in the system. The simulations of the theoretical fluid models can help researchers understand how HNFs facilitate heat transfer in renewable energy systems. Originality/value The originality of this study is in exploring the heat transfer properties within renewable energy systems using HNFs under the influence of nonlinear thermal radiation.