A numerical study of effect of ferrofluids applications in the performance of PTSC

Numerical methods are used to investigate the influence of ferrofluid integration on the operation of parabolic trough solar collectors. The total performance of the solar collector is predetermined by the capability of the tube to operate as an effective line-focus thermal collector. Ferrofluid is the working fluid. (Fe₃O₄ + H₂O). The ferrofluid is a mixture of Fe₃O₄ and water. The volumetric concentration of Fe₃O₄ (Ø) added to water ranges from Ø = 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06. Performance evaluation is conducted by referencing experimental measurements and validated numerical correlations from existing literature. The results show close alignment with the experimental data. Compared to plain water, the Nu improved by 94.25%, and the friction factor reduced by 44.69%. With respect to the change in % volume fraction (Ø), the rate of heat transfer changes. The rate of heat transfer and the volume fraction (Ø) are directly related to each other. The influence of Ø is such that at lower Re, the heat transfer rises more as compared to higher Re. The effect of % Vol. of Fe₃O₄ results in a reduced friction factor but also a reduction in the heat transfer rate. Flow vortices that form in the fluid at lower Reynolds numbers can reduce wall friction and be useful for lowering pumping power.