Title: The optimum nanomaterial coating for solar thermal device absorber plates: an experimental investigation

Authors: Vikrant P. Katekar; Anand B. Rao; Vishal R. Sardeshpande

Addresses: Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India; J D College of Engineering and Management, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 441501, India ' Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India ' Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India

Abstract: This study experimentally determines the type and optimal nanoparticle proportion to mix with dull black absorber plate paint to improve its thermal performance. This study uses aluminium oxide, copper oxide, and titanium oxide nanoparticles in 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% proportions. This experimental investigation found that dull black paint with 30% aluminium oxide nanoparticles reached the highest average temperature of 55.3°C compared to others in the open atmosphere. This plate also had the highest average temperature difference between the absorber plate and atmosphere (20.9°C) temperature and the highest heat transfer by radiation (15 W). Thus, this investigation concludes that dull black paint with 30% aluminium oxide nanoparticles is the optimal solar thermal device absorber plate paint. This trial study suggests trying 30% aluminium oxide mixed with dull black paint on the absorber plate of other solar appliances.

Keywords: aluminium oxide; copper oxide; dull-black paint; radiation heat transfer; solar energy; titanium dioxide.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNBM.2024.143831

International Journal of Nano and Biomaterials, 2024 Vol.10 No.4, pp.270 - 300

Received: 08 Sep 2023
Accepted: 15 Jan 2024
Published online: 09 Jan 2025 *

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