HR energy – PVT 8.5% heat transfer improvement
Energy efficiency analysis of solar panels using Synano nanofluids
By replacing a conventional water–glycol coolant with Synano’s Alumina-based nanofluid, HR energy achieved measurable gains in photovoltaic thermal (PVT) performance. Experimental testing demonstrated an 8.5% higher thermal conductivity and improved heat transfer coefficients compared to the base fluid, leading to lower panel temperatures and higher energy output. These results show that Synano’s nano-coolants can enhance renewable energy efficiency, reduce gas consumption, and lower CO₂ emissions for residential and industrial heating systems.
[ Project ]
Challenge
PVT panels, which combine solar electricity generation with thermal energy capture, face efficiency losses when cells overheat. HR energy, a leading Dutch PVT manufacturer founded in 2002 near Delft, wanted to increase energy yield by improving heat removal from their panels.
Traditional water–glycol coolants offer limited thermal conductivity, reducing system efficiency and preventing full utilization of captured solar heat. The challenge was to verify whether Synano’s nanofluid could enhance thermal performance without altering HR energy’s panel design.
Industry
Renewable Energy / Solar
Product
Synano Nanofluid
Location
Delft, Netherlands
Year
2021/2022
Solution
Synano and HR energy collaborated to build a controlled experimental setup at HR energy’s testing facility. The system consisted of a PVT panel connected via a closed cooling circuit with a constant-speed pump, temperature sensors, and a data logging system. An infrared lamp (1000 W) simulated solar radiation, delivering a heat flux of 300 W/m² to the panel.
Synano developed a 70:30 water–ethylene glycol nanofluid containing 3 vol% Alumina nanoparticles. The particles, 100 nm in size, surface-modified for long-term stability, remained uniformly suspended without agglomeration. The formulation included anti-corrosion and anti-biofouling additives fully compatible with the nanoparticles and base liquid.
Thermo-physical properties such as thermal conductivity, viscosity, and density were measured in Synano’s laboratory prior to testing to validate the formulation’s performance and stability.
Results
Thermal conductivity: The nanofluid achieved an average 8.5% higher thermal conductivity than the base water–glycol mixture, directly increasing the panel’s heat transfer efficiency.
Panel performance: Under identical conditions, panels cooled with Synano Nanofluid operated at lower temperatures, resulting in higher electrical and thermal efficiency compared to the standard coolant.
System efficiency: The improved heat transfer coefficient led to faster cooling response and smoother temperature profiles during the heating and equilibrium phases.
Design insight: Although the geometry of the PVT absorber limited contact area (with only ~10% of the plate directly coupled to the coolant tubing), the test confirmed that nanofluids outperform base fluids even in suboptimal designs. Synano’s engineers provided HR energy with analytical models and design recommendations to fully leverage the nanofluid’s capabilities in future systems.
Stability: The Alumina nanofluid remained stable and free from agglomeration throughout the experiment, confirming chemical compatibility with all system materials.
Technical & performance implications
- +8.5% higher thermal conductivity than base coolant
- higher overall PVT efficiency through improved heat transfer
- lower operating panel temperatures under identical radiation
- stable and non-reactive formulation ensuring long usability
- engineering insights provided to optimize heat exchanger design
Conclusion
The HR energy project validated that Synano nanofluids can significantly enhance the energy yield and thermal efficiency of photovoltaic thermal panels. Even within existing system designs, the nano-enhanced coolant demonstrated superior heat transfer performance, offering measurable improvements in output and sustainability.
By adopting Synano’s nano-coolants, renewable energy providers can reduce dependency on gas-based heating, cut CO₂ emissions, and deliver more efficient, cost-effective solar energy systems to their customers.
Interested in similar results?
Synano offers collaborative testing and design support for renewable energy and industrial partners seeking higher efficiency through advanced nanofluid technology.
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