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Experimental investigation of parallel type -

evacuated tube solar collector using nanofluids

Subramaniam Babu Sasikumar , Harikrishnan Santhanam , Muhamad Mat

Noor , Madhesh Devasenan & Hafiz Muhammad Ali

To cite this article: Subramaniam Babu Sasikumar , Harikrishnan Santhanam , Muhamad

Mat Noor , Madhesh Devasenan & Hafiz Muhammad Ali (2020): Experimental investigation of
parallel type -evacuated tube solar collector using nanofluids, Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery,
Utilization, and Environmental Effects, DOI: 10.1080/15567036.2020.1829201

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ENERGY SOURCES, PART A: RECOVERY, UTILIZATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
https://doi.org/10.1080/15567036.2020.1829201

Experimental investigation of parallel type -evacuated tube solar

collector using nanofluids
Subramaniam Babu Sasikumar a, Harikrishnan Santhanam a
, Muhamad Mat Noorb,
Madhesh Devasenanc, and Hafiz Muhammad Ali d
a
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kings Engineering College, Chennai, India; bFaculty of Mechanical &
Automotive Engineering Technology, University Malaysia Pahang, Kuantan, Malaysia; cDepartment of Mechanical
Engineering, AMET University, Chennai, India; dMechanical Engineering Department, King Fahd University of
Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT ARTICLE HISTORY

The utilization of fossil fuels can be minimized by the application of solar Received 7 July 2020
energy. In this paper, the performance of Parallel-Type (PT) Evacuated Tube Revised 1 September 2020
Solar Collectors (ETSC) using Al2O3 nanofluid was experimentally investigated. Accepted 18 September 2020
The solar collector was used during both the on-peak and off-peak periods. As KEYWORDS
a result, the efficiency of the ETSC was calculated by adding various range of Evacuated tube collectors;
particle concentration of Al2O3 nanoparticles in the base fluid. The circulating rectangular channel; Al2o3
fluid with flow rates of 0.035 and 0.065 kg/sec. The maximum efficiency nanofluid; water
procured as of the solar collector at a flow rate 0.035 kg/sec with concentra­
tions of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 vol% of Al2O3 nanofluid was 61.8%, 65.4%, and 69.5%,
respectively. An improvement of 6.7%, 7%, and 7.7%, efficiency was achieved
compared to the flow rate of 0.065 kg/sec. The most optimal concentration of
0.3vol% Al2O3 nanofluid shown progress in thermal efficiency compared to
other percentage of nanofluid and water. Improvisation of efficiency by incor­
porating the Al2O3 nanoparticles in the base fluid in the evacuated tube solar
collector. Withal, the investigation includes the prognostication of temperature
at entry and exit fluid, solar radiation, ambient temperature, energy output,
and also the collector efficiency. Moreover, the investigation was focused
toward the evaluation of the efficiency in PT-ETSC at various condition of the
environment. Finally, based on the test results, present work could be recom­
mended for agriculatural purpose specifically in vegitable drying conditions.

Introduction
The renewable energy is replacing fossil fuels for power generation and other applications. In economic
point of view renewable energy is the cheaper per unit energy. The solar energy is one of the best alternatives
for fossile fuel, recently more energy sector focused to do research in the solar collectors. Since, the
evacuated tube collector (ETC) has reached a great efficiency by means of huge temperature changes
among absorber and surroundings. There is a need for more research in the evacuated tube solar water
collectors. Gorji and Ranjbar (2017) addressed the applications of nanofluids in direct absorption solar
collectors. Solar energy is the best alternative to fossil fuel and it play a major role in global energy in future.

Conventional studies in solar collectors

George and Kalaivanan (2017) studied the thermal performance and optimization parameters
using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The values of energy gain, efficiency and solar

CONTACT Hafiz Muhammad Ali hafiz.ali@kfupm.edu.sa Mechanical Engineering Department, King Fahd University of
Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
© 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
2 S. B. SASIKUMAR ET AL.

fraction. Also, Genetic algorithm toolbox in RSM have used to optimize the efficiency and
water temperature in this system. Raghurajsinh, Parmar, and Bhojak (2016) reviewed the
application of solar energy in the evacuated tube collector with the support of heat
pipe technology. The Evacuated Tube Collector helps to improve the energy economics,
consumption, and efficiency. The comparison of design parameters and theoretical
model have reviewed in this work. Kadyan (2018) reported that domestic and industrial sectors
are mostly dependence of evacuated water heaters for a continuous supply of hot water.
Also, performed the experimentation in the ETC and obtained the system maximum efficiency
of 51% and the system overall heat loss coefficient as 1.81 W/m2K. Siddharth Arora et al.
(2011) investigated the working fluid of ETC under different operating conditions. It
have grasped that the heat transfer rate of the circulating fluid and the air gap heat
transfer coefficient are cause effect in heat transfer. Besides, the report have used in the
designing of an absorption unit where the generator section using the heat available from
the ETC.
Umayal Sundari, Neelamegam, and Subramanian (2013) designed ETC without a forced
dryer which reduced drying period up to 66%. Also heat storage material with a specified dryer
provided a specific moisture extraction ratio of 0.345 kg/kWh. Ghoneim et al. (2016) devel­
oped the ETC model to hold the maximum energy efficiency in a solar collector area of 44 m2
and an annual solar saving of about 2300. USD Zubrwaski and Dick (2013) calculated the
performance of ETC by considering various operating conditions: solar radiation incidence
angle, rate of heat transfer, mass flow rate, and number of evacuated tubes.The findings have
shown the variations in the performance by about 5% between the different collector config­
urations and the overall performance. Picon-Nunez, Rodriguez, and Fuentes-Silva (2016)
focused on the structure of the ETC network, which haa been a combination of a series-
parallel arrangement in terms of mass flow rate and pressure drop to the desired target
temperature. The approach has been demonstrated by a case study. Patel and Patel (2013)
tested the ETC using computational fluid dynamics analysis. The experimental results have
shown the better performance compared to that of a flat plate collector due to lower convec­
tion losses. Sabiha et al. (2015a) tested different types of ETC and their performances based on
different working fluids were highly regulated to enable operation of ETC at high tempera­
tures. Hlaing and Soe (2014) studied the heat transfer analysis of evacuated tube of 30
numbers. Heat pipe ETC was made of 1.8 m long borosilicate glass with a diameter of
0.049 m with black coating to provide increases in the absorption rate of solar and radiation.
Ethylene glycol (0.1 L) have used as a working fluid to create 300 L of hot water. The manifold
enclosure was 2.19 m long, 0.13 m high and 0.14 m wide with aluminum. The result shows
that a higher solar radiation is required for the achievement of maximum hot water tempera­
tures. Heat pipe ETC is more efficient than ETC without a heat pipe and a flat plate collector.
Vendan et al. (2012) used solar energy for the generation of steam at atmospheric pressure
using PVC, FPC and ETC. The energy conversion in ETC has been seen as much more
efficient compared to FPC, considering a loss of convective heat. The required collector area
and the number of exhaust pipes for application-based steam cooking was demonstrated. Patel
and Patel (2013) performed computational fluid dynamics analysis of ETC and have used test
results for validation purpose. Yadav and Saikhedkar (2015) found a numerical solution of the
mathematical model used for the variation of the efficiency and effective energy of the ETC.
The average performance of the collector determined was in the range of 71.4%–75.6%, which
have within the permissible range of the collector model physical system. Abdulkadir Kocer,
Atmaca, and Ertekin (2015) found the annual F-value range of FPC and ETC based on the
experimental model for the required hot water temperature. They achieved for ETC in the
range between 109°C and 260°C and for FPC between 89°C and 212°C. Altin Maraj et al.
(2019) installed FPC of 4.41 m2 and ETC of 1.5 m2 on the roof at a slope angle of 45°. The
annual solar yield of the selected collector have around 664 kWh/m2 however, the ETC was
 ENERGY SOURCES, PART A: RECOVERY, UTILIZATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 3

885 kWh/m2. Also the annual collector efficiency have calculated as 0.494 and 0.62,
respectively.

Nanofluids in solar collectors: experimental approach

Noghrehabadi, Hajidavaloo, and Moravej (2016) reported that, 3.8% enhancement have shown by
the application of solar collector by using SiO2/water nanofluid when compared to pure water.
Kang, He, and Wang (2015) copper/water nanofluid used in the flat plate collectors to obtain the
performance at 0.2% wt concentration Said et al. (2015) conducted an experiments in solar
collector with TiO2 and Al2O nanofluid. Also, shown efficiency improvement around 76% and
16.9% respectively in the rate of flow 0.5 kg/min and concentration of 0.1%. Faizal et al. (2013)
performed the energy analysis in the flat plate solar collector using metal oxide nanoparticles in
the base fluid. Mahendran et al. (2012) determined the efficiency of solar collector by the
application of TiO2 nanofluid and shown 73% enhancement. Sabiha et al. (2015b) conducted
tests in single walled carbon nantotubes for the ETC solar application. The efficiency of solar
collector increases 93.4% in the volume concentration of 0.2% at a flow rate of 0.025 kg/s. Kim,
Ham, and Park (2016) conducted experimental as well as theoretical studies in the Al2O3 nano­
fluid-based ETC, to show the performance assessment. Hussein, Kadirgama, and Noor (2017)
presented the thermal properties and thermal conductivity development application Using various
volume propotion of nanoparticles dispersed in the ethylene glycol. Shojaeizadeha, Veysia, and
Goudarzib (2020) investigated the heat transfer and thermal performance of a single-ended all-
glass exhaust pipe solar collector in natural convection. This improvement resulted in the use of
nanoparticles with volume fraction (0.0–0.5%) of ferro fluids as a working fluid under the effect of
Magnetism. Ahmad Izad Sahin et al. (2020) demonstrated the different types of solar collector with
latest techniques and identified the optimum size of nanoparticles, pH value, and dispersion
stability increase efficiency. Aslo, the nanoparticles contribute more in the absorption, depth of
penetration of solar radition. Anil Kumara et al. (2020) analyzed the reducing inertia and
increasing efficiency of various solar collectors. The study have showed that the effects of different
flows, the geometric parameters of the hybrid nanofluids, and the inert techniques for flow will
improve performance with lower heat losses. Chopra et al. (2020) tested on ETC with and without
stearic acid PCM for water media under climatic conditions. K. Farhana et al. (2019) reported that
even though many energy resources are available, solar energy is the most suitable substitute to
conventional energy. Also the solar collector efficiency could be improved by nanofluids. In this
paper six types of solar collector performance have reviewed. The various types of nanoparticles
used by the researchers are TiO2, CuO, ZnO, Al2O3, and MWCNTS in base fluids. Adeola Borode,
Ahmed, and Olubambi (2019) reported that numerous studies have conducted by various nano­
particles such as copper oxide, alumina, silica in the solar collector. The research out comes shown
that carbon-based nanofluids with a low concentration, improved the collector efficiency much.
Vijayakumar et al. (2020) suggested that harvesting solar energy is the most interesting one,
because of clean, green nature. Improving the efficiency by compound parabolic concentrator
(CPC) may increase the interest of people. Nowadays evacuated tube with nanofluid studies
focused because of its capacity to trap more heat. Gaurav Singh et al. (2020) reviewed the action
of some available nanofluids in the different solar collectors. Also, observed that by inclusion of
nanofluids the output increases several times. Muhammad et al. (2016) discuss about the economic
and environmental impact of nanofluids in solar collectors. Also, discussed about the future trends
in the application of nanofluids in solar collectors. Sadeghia et al. (2020) conducted experiments in
evacuated tube solar collector using the copper oxide/water nanofluid. Also examined the con­
vective heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, and heat gain by the solar collector. Finally, the
accuracy of the experiment have verified with Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). Sharafeldin and
Grof (2019) studied the thermal performance of the evacuated tube solar collector using WO3
/water nanofluid. The circulating fluid containing the nanoparticles with 90 nm diameter have
4 S. B. SASIKUMAR ET AL.

dispersed. The concentration of nanoparticles varied as 0.014%, 0.028%, and 0.042% of several
mass flux rates of 0.013 kg/s. m2, 0.015 kg/s. m2, and 0.017 kg/s. m2. By the addition of WO3
nanoparticles there is increasing in temperature difference up to 21% have found. The efficiency of
the evacuated tube collector have increased by increasing the nanoparticle concentration. Finally
the thermal-optical efficiency of the evacuated tube solar collector have achieved at 72.8%. Ozsoy
and Corumlu (2018) determined the thermal efficiency of thermosyphon heat pipe (THP) evac­
uated tube solar collector using silver nanofluid. The selected nanofluid was improving the
efficiency of solar collector up to 40%. Sharafeldina et al. (2019) studied the effect of metallic
copper nanoparticles in the evacuated tube solar collector with different volume concentrations
and flow rates such as 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.03% and 0.6 L/min, 0.7 L/min, and 0.8 L/min. The
result shows that 50% increase in the output temperature and 417 W–667 W increment in heat
energy. Also, there have a remarkable heat removal rate achieved 0.97. Moreover, carried out the
environmental analysis to find the effect of copper nanoparticles in CO2 reduction. Eidan et al.
(2018) explored the effect of acetone based nanofluids in the heat pipe evacuated tube solar
collector (HP-ETSC). In this study, various filling ratios filling ratios (40, 50, 60, 70, and 80%)
and tilt angles (30°, 45°, and 60°) have considered. The HP-ETSC systems should be charged with
nanofluids for thermal performance enhancement (20–54%) and efficiency (15–38%) have
reported. Pablo Sampaio Gomes Natividade et al. (2019) applied multilayer graphene (MLG)
with 0.00045% and 0.00068% low volume fraction in the evacuated tube solar collector equipped
with parabolic concentrator. Also, showed that the thermal efficiency of the solar collector by 31%
and 76%, respectively. I.M. Mahbubul et al. (2018) Studied the heating performance of the
evacuated tube solar collector system with a 20 W heating capacity of the absorption cooling
system. The main aim of the study is to analyze the effect of single wall carbon nanotubes to
predict the collector performance. For 0.2 vol % of nanofluid the thermal efficiency have improved
up to 56.7% and 66%. Kadyan (2018) investigated the ZnO/Ethylene Glycol-Pure Water (ZnO/EG-
PW) in an evacuated U-tube solar collector (EUSC) with various volume concentrations of 1.0%,
2.0%, 3.0%, and 4.0%).In this paper, the efficiency of an evacuated U-tube solar collector (EUSC)
with ZnO/Etylene Glycol-PureWater (ZnO/EG-PW) as a working fluid was experimentally inves­
tigated. The highest collector efficiency was determined 62.87% for 3.0 vol.% and mass flow rate of
0.045 kg/s.

Nanofluids in the solar collectors: numerical approach

Mercan and Yurddas (2019) studied numerical analysis of Al2O3 and CuO nanofluids in the ETSCs
using CFD. The Boussinesq approximation is used to examine the thermal and hydraulic status of the
collector. While comparing the two nanofluids the CuO nanofluids shown better performance.
Yurdda (2020) carried out numerical studies in Evacuated tube solar collectors (ETSC) by using finite
volume method. The four different nanoparticles such as MWCNT, TiO2, SiO2, and Cu were used in
this study. The Boussinesq Approach is used to examine the thermal and hydraulic conditions.
Sadeghia et al. (2020) conducted numerical and experimental studies of the effect of reflector parabolic
concentrator using copper oxide nanofluid for 0.01–0.08 volume fractions in the evacuated tube solar
collector. Also, the effect of various diameter of evacuated tube have analyzed. by adding 0.08 volume
concentration the energy efficiency was improved 10%. Moreover, theoretical investigation have
conducted by considering various thermophysical properties such as density, heat capacity, viscosity,
and conductivity. Iranmanesh, Akhijahani, and Jahromi (2020) performed CFD modeling and thermal
analysis in heat pipe of ETSC. Also examined the performance of thermal storage with and without
PCM application. In the PTC heat tube, CuO-H2O nanofluid was considered as a working fluid.
Based on the past literature, it is learnt that there are lot of literature available with solar collector
using water and the limited literature are available with solar collector using nanofluids. It has been
a driving force to make effort to attempt on the performance improvement of the ETC using
nanofluids. In the present work, Al2O3 nanoparticles with uniform particle size are dispersed into
 ENERGY SOURCES, PART A: RECOVERY, UTILIZATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 5

water, so as to prepare the homogeneous nanofluids. Different concentration of nanofluids with 0.1,
0.2, and 0.3 vol% were circulated in order to determine the maximum performance of ETC.

Preparation of nanofluid
The two step method of nanofuid preparation provides better stability of nanofluid, was used in the
ETSC. The nanoparticles (40 nm) purchased from the SWASCO laboratories, Mumbai. The nano­
particles was mixed in the distilled water, then stirred well for proper mixing and the same was used in
the heat pipes. Eidan et al. (2018) proved that at higher volumetric concentration for CuO nanofluid,
the problem of settling down of nanoparticles with a relatively large weight had been more serious
than at Al2O3 nanofluid. Digital image of pure water and prepared nanofluids with 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 vol
% of Al2O3 nanofluid was shown in Figure 1. It can be ascertained seeing through Figure 1 that in all
the concentrations of the nanofluids, uniform dispersion and longer dispersion stability were
obtained. Thus, the prepared nanofluids could promote the higher thermal conductivity. The thermo­
physical properties of the as-prepared Al2O3 nanofluids are presented in Table 1.

Experimental method
The foremost intention of the experimental observation was to foresee the heat transfer enhancement
of the parallel-type ETC by means of Al2O3 nanofluid as a working fluid. The proposed system
consisted of two set of evacuated tubes. Each set consist of 20 number of parallel tubes; with outer
diameter (OD), inner diameter (ID), and lengh are 0.08, 0.04, and 2.5 m respectively, as shown in
Figure 2. The surface area of each set of ETSC was considered as 9.6 m2. One end of the ETSC was
connected with the supported of a rectangular channel consist of manifold and a frame supported in
the other end.
The construction of the evacuated tubes contained an internal passages, similar to concentric tubes.
Also the ends were sealed and the inner tubes were coated with aluminum and outer tubes were made
of borosilicate glass. The Al2O3 nanofluid was filled in the inner tubes to observe the solar energy via
the outer borosilicate glass was shown in Figure 3.

Figure 1. Digital image of the pure water and nanofluids.

Table 1. Thermophysical properties of the Al2O3 nanofluids.

Sl. no. Properties 0.1 vol% 0.2 vol% 0.3 vol% Uncertainty
1. Thermal Conductivity (W/mK) 0.625 0.648 0.669 0.001
2. Latent heat (kJ/kg) 1940 1929 1916 0.12
3. Specific heat capacity (kJ/kg.K) 4.132 4.097 4.026 0.01
4. Viscosity (mPa/s) 1.139 1.185 1.247 0.002
5. Density (kg/m3) 1.012 1.029 1.034 0.001
6 S. B. SASIKUMAR ET AL.

Figure 2. Schematic diagram of parallel-type ETC.

Figure 3. Digital images of inner and outer edge of evacuated tube collector.

Moreover, the convection losses were eliminated by means of thermal insulation. Since, the
gap between the inner and outer tubes were maintained with high vacuum conditions. It helps to
resist the atmospheric pressure as well as reduces the convection and conduction heat losses,
parenthetically achieving greater energy conversion efficiency. The solar energy was absorbed by
the influence of the external coating provided over the tube. The solar energy penetrating across
the inner tube was able to make the water attain the required temperature. The increase in heat
tends to carry large amount of heat to the manifold. The mass flow rates were fixed as 0.035 and
0.065 kg/sec in the present study.
The experiemntal system consists of evacuated tube collector, rectangular manifold channel,
pump, flow meter, and storage tank. Moreover, the performance of the ETSC was estimated
with the support of outlet air temperature, solar intensity, velocity and mass flow rate of the
Al2O3 nanofluid. The PT100, resistive temperature device was composed of copper, nickel or
nickel-iron alloys. By means of that the changes in resistance with changes in temperature was
noted at various points of resolution 0.1°C upto 450°C. To measure the flow rate the certain
highly sensitive electronic digital inclinometer (Bosch 601076700 PVC) was used in the
experiment. Also, the laser technology can be used for precise and repetitive measurements.
 ENERGY SOURCES, PART A: RECOVERY, UTILIZATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 7

An indoor humidity (AcuRite 613) monitor was connected to maintain an optimum level of
display for daily basis. Whereas the temperature and humidity were monitored daily basis with
the support of monitoring systems and devices. The quick spot measurements humidity were
achieved by the air velocity anemometer (Testo 410–1 type). Its range was 0.4–20 m/s and its
revolution 0.1 m/s and the accuracy of wind speed as 2% of 0.2 m/s of MV. Uncertainty of the
measured values was found to be as follows.
Uncertainty = (max. value – min. value)/no. of readings
Based on the above relationship, the uncertainty of the measured data was found to be ±0.12.

Results and discussion

The resolution of the system was to observe the mean value (MV) of the intended and measured
parameters in parallel-type ETSC. The study was carried out in the 2nd week of May 2019, known for
typical summer in India.The measurements are taken for 7 days, during the period there were
variations in the atmospheric temperature from 28°C to 38°C. The result and discussion were focused
on two major criteria, one was the mass flow rate of the nanofluid and the other one was volume
concentration of the nanofluid.
At the mean value of the relative humidity (RH), outlet temperature (OT), and the solar intensity of
radiation (SR) changes with respect to time was infer from the Figure 4a–b. During the time 8.00 am–
9.00 am RH, SR, and OT, reaches 40.8%, 685 W, and 33.6°C respectively. When the time reaches
between 11 and 12 am, RH, SR, and OT values reaches 28%, 765 W, and 99.6°C respectively. Where as
between 12.00 and 1.00 pm the RH 25.4% and SR was 805 W and OT was 128.7°C. The value depended
on an increase in SR. After it reached a high efficiency between 1 pm and 2 pm the corresponding RH
23.6%, SR 812 W, and OT 159.8°C was observed. Hence, this was an approximate constant efficiency of
ETSC, owing to the balance in SR and an increase in heat loss. At 3 pm a decrease the SR and an
increase in heat losses caused gradual decreases in efficiency. Initially at higher RH and its correspond­
ing inlet the temperature is low at the region’s outlet there was a slight increase in the temperature of
ETSC. The reason for increasing the outlet temperature upto 160°C for each hour was because of the
presence of the Al2O nanofuid. Moreover, there was an increasing temperature up to 12–1 pm was
observed later it gets decreases slowly due to fall in sunlight. While, examining the performance of the
solar collector through the important parameters such as temperature and concentration of the
present nanofluid, it shows better outcomes in the increase in temperature from 5°C to 7°C for
different mass flow rate.
The graph infers that, there was an increase in temperature of ETSC up to certain time, later it gets
decreased. Compared with water, higher concentration of nanoparticles dispersed in the basefluid
could promote the heat transfer and it can be ascertained seeing through Figure 5a–b for 0.035 and

Figure 4. (a) Time vs solar intensity. (b) Time vs relative humidity and temperature.
8 S. B. SASIKUMAR ET AL.

Figure 5. (a) Time vs OT of PT- ETC at MFT of 0.035 kg/sec. (b) Time Vs OT of PT- ETC at MFT of 0.065 kg/sec.

0.065 kg/sec. At 0.035 kg/sec flow rate, ETSC was able to attain the temperatures of 195.5°C, 182.8°C,
170.6°C, and 159.8°C for 0.3, 0.2, and 0.1 vol% of Al2O3 nanofluids and water, respectively. Likewise, at
0.065 kg/sec flow rate, ETSC could reach the temperatures of 170.6°C, 159.8°C, 149°C, and 140.6°C for
0.3, 0.2, and 0.1 vol% of Al2O3 nanofluids and water, respectively. It implies that, the variation in
temperature depends on the flow rate, and the predictable oulet temperature of ETSC was 14.6% for
0.035 kg/sec flow rate. Which was higher than the flow rate of 0.065 kg/sec.
The outcome of the experimental results confirmed that at a higher concentration of Al2O3
nanoparticles could cause the heat transfer and heat absorption rates to improve, significantly. Also,
increase in thermal conductivity, similar results were obtained for lower concentration of Al2O3
nanoparticles. Moreover, the flow rate of the working fluid could affect the heat absorption rate.
Due to high solar intensity at the peak time around 1–2 pm, more energy interaction was predicted
from the experimentation.
Figure 6a–b shows the variation of energy output with respect to time. Energy output was
found to be varied at different concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 vol% nanofluids and flow rates of
0.035 and 0.065 kg/sec. In the beginning the heat gained by the absorber was high later it was low,
however the heat gain was gradually increased up to 1–2 pm. At 1–2 pm for the fixed flow rate of
0.035 kg/sec, the maximum output heat gain was observed as 5420.87, 5098.5, 4829.2, and
4556.5 W for 0.3, 0.2, and 0.1 vol% nanofluids and water respectively. Morover, for the higher
flow rate of 0.065 kg/sec the heat gain was 4829.5, 4556.5, 4292.7, and 4087.6 W for 0.3, 0.2, and
0.1 vol% of Al2O3 nanofluids and water respectively. The results of using 0.3vol% of Al2O3
nanofluid was shown 12% higher for the flow rate of 0.035 kg/sec even as compared to the flow

Figure 6. (a) Time vs energy output of PT-ETC at MFT of 0.035 kg/sec. (b) Time vs energy output of PT-ETC at MFT of 0.065 kg/sec.
 ENERGY SOURCES, PART A: RECOVERY, UTILIZATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 9

Figure 7. (a) Time vs efficiency of PT- ETC at MFT of 0.035 kg/sec. (b) Time vs efficiency of PT- ETC at MFT of 0.065 kg/sec.

rate of 0.065 kg/sec. High flow rates could absorb the small amount of heat energy and thereby, it
could cause the surrounding heat losses to increase.
While conducting experiments in PT-ETSC with water and nanofluid, the result shows that the
heat gain parameter of the solar collector was 4556.5 W for water as a working fluid, which was 19%
lower than the 0.3vol% Al2O3 nanofluid. As a result, the PT-ETSC using Al2O3 nanofluid proved better
efficiency in the fixed operating range.
The heat loss parameter ((Ti-Ta)/G)) decides the ability of the solar collector and the maximum
efficiency was attained when Ti = Ta and also thermal efficiency various with the effect of heat
loss. In particular ETC with 40-nm-sized Al2O3 nanofluid proved higher efficiency for all operating
conditions. Moreover, the Brownian motion of the nanoparticles was palyed a major role for
higher activation of energy could be the reason for increase the heat transfer efficiency of the
system.
The Collector efficiency of PT-ETC using different percentages of Al2O3 nanofluid as a working
fluid was shown in the Figure 7a–b for various mass flowrate of 0.035 kg/sec and 0.065 kg/sec. At 1–2
pm for the fixed flow rate of 0.065 kg/sec, the maximum efficiency of 69.5% at 0.3 vol% of Al2O3
nanofluid was found. For the 0.065 kg/sec of mass flow rate, the enhancement of 61.8% at 0.3 vol% Al2
O3 nanofluid was found. While compare with the higher flow rate, the nanofluid at lower flow rate
shows 7.7% of efficiency higher for the selected massflow rates. The value obtained was higher than the
flow rate of 0.065 kg/sec. This result is in good agreement with the previous study of Adeola Borode,
Ahmed, and Olubambi (2019).
The nanofluid circulating in the loop perform better than the ordinary water was quantified while
calculating the performance parameters of the PT-ETSC. The addition of nanoparticle was optimized
in certain point, further addition of percentage can not contribute an increase in performance of ETSC
is due to the change in the boundary layer and accumulation of particles. Also, the increase in
nanoparticle percentage tends to increase the viscosity of the fluid.
Figure 8a shows that 0.3vol% Al2O3 nanofluid was used in the PT-ETSC, the maximum
efficiency was 69.5% at a mass flow rate of 0.035 kg/sec, which was 8.4% higher than the flow
rate 0.065 kg/sec. The efficiency of ETSC can be maintained relatively high when 0.3 vol% of Al2
O3 nanofluid was used as a working fluid. Figure 8b shows 0.2 vol% Al2O3 nanofluid used in the
PT-ETSC, produced the maximum efficiency of 65.4% at a mass flow rate of 0.035 kg/sec, which
was 7% higher than the flow rate 0.065 kg/sec. Figure 8c shows 0.1 vol% Al2O3 nanofluid was used
in the PT-ETSC producing, the maximum efficiency of 61.8% at a mass flow rate of 0.035 kg/sec,
which was 6.7% higher than the flow rate 0.065 kg/sec. Figure 8d shows water used in the PT-
ETSC producing, the maximum efficiency of 58.4% at a mass flow rate of 0.035 kg/sec, which was
6% higher than the flow rate 0.065 kg/sec. This result is in good agreement with the previous study
of Eidan et al. (2018).
10 S. B. SASIKUMAR ET AL.

Figure 8. (a) Time vs variation of the efficiency inflow rate of 0.035 and 0.065 kg/sec at 0.3 vol%. (b) Time vs variation of the efficiency
inflow rate of 0.035 and 0.065 kg/sec at 0.2 vol%. (c) Time vs variation of the efficiency in flow rate of 0.035 and 0.065 kg/sec at 0.1 vol
%. (d) Time vs variation of the efficiency in flow rate of 0.035 and 0.065 kg/sec of water.

Conclusion
This paper presents an experimentation of nanofluid based solar collectors and its applications in
agriculatural needs. The highlights of the nanofluids are not only to obtain better energy compe­
tence but also, to reduce the dimension of collectors. Owing to high intensity of radiation and its
special effects in outlet temperature leads to proved energy enhance system, the outcome of the
results shows that the nanofluids can contribute more in future for the solar drying system to
drying the agricultural products such as sliced radish, potato, carrot, and oyster mushroom.
Enhancing the thermal performance of PT-ETSC-based solar energy technologies is important
for better energy conversion. Moreover incorporating the nanofluid are the promising solutions for
the nonpolluting solar energy systems. Furthermore, there is a demand of addiditonal experimental
investigations about the nanofluids in solar collectors by considering the various sizes and
morphologies of nanoparticles.

Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express their gratitude to the Principal and the management of Kings Engineering College for
their supports towards the accomplishment of the present research work and also, to the University Malaysia Pahang for
providing financial support through research grant RDU190386.

Funding
This work was supported by the University Malaysia Pahang [RDU190386].
 ENERGY SOURCES, PART A: RECOVERY, UTILIZATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 11

Notes on contributors
Subramaniam Babu Sasikumarreceived B.E. degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Madras in the year
1995; M.E. degree in Thermal Engineering from SCSVMV University and Ph.D degree in Mechanical Engineering from
St.Peter’s University, in the Years 2013 and 2019, respectively. At present, he has been working as the Assistant Professor
in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kings Engineering College in Chennai, India. He has published 23
research articles in different refereed journals. His areas of research include the thermal energy storage, solar collector
and nanofluids.
Harikrishnan Santhanam received B.E. degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from University of Madras in
the year 2002; M.E. degree in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineering and Ph.D degree in Mechanical
Engineering from Anna University in the Years 2007 and 2015, respectively. At present, he has been working as the
Professor & Head in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kings Engineering College in Chennai, India. He
organized four international conferences and delivered invited talks in many colleges in India. He has published 32
research articles in different refereed journals. His areas of research include the phase change materials, nanofluids and
supercapacitor.
Muhamad Mat Nooris currently the Director for UMP Press and previously the Dean of UMP Students Development
and Director for UMP German Academic and Career Center. He is founder and Editor in Chief for IJAME Journal for
2008–2018 and Editor in Chief for JMES for 2014–2018. Published more than 400 scholarly articles and conference
proceedings. He also appointed as Advisor for Malaysian Citation Centre in 2016–2019, Ministry of Education. Recently
appointed as Chairman MAPIM Journal Committee and Member for Malaysian National Academic Award Committee.
Madhesh Devasenanis currently working as the Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Academy of
Maritime Education and Training (AMET) Deemed to be University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. He obtained his Ph.
D. degree in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering from College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai,
India in 2015. His received M.E. degree in Thermal Power Engineering from Annamalai University, Chidambaram,
India in 2004 and B.E. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli,
India, in 1999. He is a member of ISHRAE. His research interests include nanofluids, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and
computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Ali, currently working as an associate professor of Mechanical Engineering at King Fahd
University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia, received his doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from
School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary, University of London, United Kingdom, in 2011. He was a
postdoc at Water and Energy Laboratory of University of California at Merced, United States, during 2015–2016. He is
the recipient of the “Best Young Research Scholar Award” for 2017 in the Engineering category, conferred by Higher
Education Commission of Pakistan at the 7th HEC Outstanding Research Award Ceremony. He also had the honor of
receiving HEC’s Best Research Paper Award (2013/2014) and Research Productivity Award by Pakistan Council of
Science and Technology (2016–2017). Apart from his academic duties, he is actively involved with editorial duties at
several international journals, notably Heat Transfer Engineering (Taylor & Francis), Journal of Thermal Analysis and
Calorimetry (Springer), International Journal of Thermofluids (Elsevier), Journal Thermal Science, and Journal of
Mechanical Engineering.

ORCID
Subramaniam Babu Sasikumar http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3380-7586
Harikrishnan Santhanam http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4349-1634
Hafiz Muhammad Ali http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9266-408X

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