Nanofluid-based optical filter optimization for PV/T systems

Robert A. Taylor, Todd Otanicar, Gary Rosengarten

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

297 Scopus citations

Abstract

Optical filters are essential in a wide range of applications, including optical communications, electronics, lighting, optical sensors and photography. This article presents recent work which indicates that optical filters can be created from specialized nanoparticle suspensions. Specifically, this article describes a theoretical optimization process for designing nanofluid-based filters for hybrid solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) applications. This particular application is suitable because nanofluids can be utilized as both volumetric solar absorbers and flowing heat transfer mediums. The nanofluid filters described in this work compare favorably with conventional optical filters for five photovoltaic (PV) cell alternatives: InGaP, CdTe, InGaAs, Si, and Ge. This study demonstrates that nanofluids make efficient, compact and potentially low-cost, spectrally selective optical filters.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere34
JournalLight: Science and Applications
Volume1
Issue numberOCTOBER
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

Keywords

  • Hybrid
  • Nanofluid
  • Optical filter
  • Photovoltaic
  • Solar energy
  • Solar thermal

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