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Optimization of nickel-infused alumina nanostructure for enhanced solar-thermal conversion

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Abstract

This study investigates the optimization of nickel-infused alumina nanostructure for enhanced solar-thermal energy conversion. The optimization is based on the analytical model using the transfer matrix method, which is first validated with experimental results and then compared with a finite element model. The optimal nanostructure of the solar absorber shows a high solar absorptance of 0.87 and a low thermal emittance of 0.08. The optimal design can achieve a total net heat flux of 815 W/m2, approximately 26% higher than the nominal value of 647 W/m2 corresponding to the baseline design.

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Acknowledgments

Shankar Narayan acknowledges the support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under Grant No. 80NSSC21K0072 issued through the Space Technology Research Grants Program.

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  1. Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St., Troy, NY, 12180, USA

    Xuanjie Wang, Luiz Victor Repolho Cagliari, Jason E. Hicken & Shankar Narayan

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  1. Xuanjie Wang
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Wang, X., Repolho Cagliari, L.V., Hicken, J.E. et al. Optimization of nickel-infused alumina nanostructure for enhanced solar-thermal conversion. MRS Communications 13, 581–586 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1557/s43579-023-00386-7

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