Nanofluids Applications in Solar Energy Systems: A Review

Solar energy systems have attracted a lot of attention in the last few decades. Heat transfer enhancement (performance) of the solar thermal systems is one of the significant issues in energy usage, energy saving and compact designs. Since the nanofluids are used to improve the heat transfer characteristics and thermal properties compared with conventional fluids, replacing the working fluid with nanofluids is effective method to enhance the efficiency and performance of the solar thermal systems. This new and novel strategy is a subject of interest of researchers and literatures in recent years. The present review paper investigates applications of the nanofluids in solar thermal engineering systems include collectors and thermal energy storage systems. In addition effects of nanofluids on the performance, efficiency, economic and environmental considerations of mentioned systems are reviewed.