Non Noble Metal Nanoparticle Solar Collector Project at IIT Madras

Non-noble metal nanoparticle-assisted solar heat collector system

Objective

• The following are the objectives of the project: 1. Design and demonstration of the plasmonic nanoparticle-assisted solar energy collection system, 2. Fabrication and installation of the receiver system consisting of three different solar energy collection methods, 3. Fine-tuning of the material and nanoparticle volume fraction for absorption of the solar radiation spectrum, 4. An analysis of the computed/calculated physical of the nanofluid with experimental studies, 5. Comparison of the energy efficiency of each receiver mode using exergy analysis, 6. Evaluation of optical selective behaviour of the nanoparticle and nanofluid caused due to the change in size, shape, material and volume fraction (high absorption in the solar range and low emittance in the infrared).

Description

• We propose using a tandem heat collection system for wastewater treatment, assisted by plasmonic nanoparticle solar distillation. The proposed system will have the following salient features: Experimental study on the behaviour of plasmonic nanoparticles under different energy collection conditions, Optimised process parameters (mass flow rate, particle size, particle concentration) will be developed based on the temperature and energy studies done on the receiver system.

Impact

• The project would improve efficiency and sustainability in wastewater treatment while making it attractive for industries moving towards zero liquid discharge, reduced water footprint etc.