Applications of Nanotechnology in Solar Thermal Energy Systems

Energy is the fundamental input and essential need for the advancement, modernization and economic evolution of any nation, and due to a rapid increase in global energy demands, the concern is addressed on how to achieve the future thermal energy requirements for meeting the energy demand. Regarding population growth, industrialization, and environmental issues due to the consumption of fossil fuels, clean energy systems have attracted attention as inevitable alternatives to the current systems utilizing fossil fuels. Solar Thermal Energy systems are utilizable for a wide variety of purposes such as power generation, heating, cooling, and desalination.

Despite the benefits of solar thermal energy systems in terms of the environment, their relatively low efficiency compared with the currently used systems make them inappropriate in term of economyy. In this regard, it is necessary to find ways to improve their efficiency and performance. Nanotechnology can be applied in different solar thermal energy systems and their components to enhance the performance and efficiency. In these systems, nanofluids are mainly used to achieve higher performance due to their enhanced thermophysical properties. In addition to the nanofluids, nanotechnology can be applied in other ways such as coating nanoparticles on the solid components of the solar thermal collectors and solar stills to improve their properties for the required applications. Variations in the performance of solar thermal energy systems in cases of employing nanotechnology is dependent on several elements including the type of nanomaterials used, size, preparation method etc. In this regard, it is crucial to consider different aspects to reach the most appropriate condition.

The evolution of nanotechnology has presented vast potential to enhance the efficiency and functionality of solar thermal energy systems. Nanotechnology, with its unique capability to manipulate materials on a molecular scale, offers innovative solutions to overcome the challenges faced by traditional solar thermal systems, mainly in terms of efficiency and performance. The primary focus of this topical collection is to explore how nanotechnology can be effectively integrated into solar thermal energy systems, thus bridging the gap between these two pivotal fields. Specific areas of interest include but are not limited to:

1. Nanotechnology-enhanced solar thermal collectors;

2. Thermoelectric generators employing nanomaterials for better efficiency;

3. Synthesis, preparation, and thermophysical properties evaluation of nanofluids specifically designed for solar thermal applications;

4. Applications of nanofluids and nanomaterials for heat transfer improvements in solar thermal systems;

5. Efficiency improvement of solar thermal systems through nanotechnology interventions;

6. Nanocoatings and nanocomposites tailored for solar thermal systems;

7. The impact of nanotechnology on the exergy and energy efficiencies of solar thermal systems;

7. The impact of nanotechnology on the exergy and energy efficiencies of solar thermal systems;

9. Optical and thermophysical properties of nanomaterials designed for solar thermal applications.

Keywords: Solar energy; Exergy analysis; Nanofluids; Nanomaterials; Thermal energy