The Exergy Optimization of a Flat-Plate Solar Collector Using AL2O3-Water, CuO-Water and TiO2-Water Nanofluids by Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

In this study, the exergy efficiency of a flat plate solar collector using Al2O3, TiO2, CuO nanoparticles and pure water as base fluid is studied. Solar radiation is selected between 200 to 600 W/m2. The method to determine optimum values of optimization variables has been developed by Genetic Algorithm Toolbox in MATLAB software. Results show by increasing solar radiation the optimized exergy efficiency is increased 3.72% for Al2O3 and TiO2nanofluids and 3.6% for CuO nanofluid. According to optimum values of mass flow rate of fluid, 15.22% for Al2O3 and TiO2 nanofluids and 4.35% for CuO nanofluid is decreased, also collector inlet temperature is decreased about 0.8% for all nanofluids. By increasing wind speed and ambient temperature for both cases, the exergy efficiency increased and decreased respectively. Using nanofluids decreased 0.4% overall loss coefficient of collector.