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Green technology

Advancements in Nanotechnology Enhance Solar Aircraft Efficiency

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Scientists at the Beijing Institute of Technology have made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of nanotechnology, specifically in the application of solar-powered aircraft. The study, published in the International Journal of Modern Physics B, explores the potential of trihybrid nanofluids (THNFs) and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) in improving the aerodynamic performance of solar-powered aircraft. The research aims to enhance the durability of both mechanical and electrical aircraft components, contributing to cost reduction, improved fuel efficiency, and extended flight range.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study investigates the heat transfer characteristics of THNFs, considering factors such as porous surfaces, convective boundary conditions, solar radiation, a radially varying magnetic field, Ohmic heating, and internal heat generation.
  • The novelty of this study lies in the integration of THNFs and MHD within the field of aerospace engineering, aiming to enhance aircraft fuel efficiency, overall performance, and flight range.
  • The research concludes that using THNFs to improve heat transfer efficiency and applying MHD to better control thermal management and flow behavior can improve aircraft fuel efficiency, overall performance, and flight range by 12.11% compared to the base fluid.
  • The Irreversibility analysis of Carreau THNFs is explored, and the numerical outcomes for different flow variables on velocity, Nusselt number, entropy generation, nanofluid's temperature, frictional force, and Bejan number are computed and presented through tables and graphs.
  • The results reveal that raising the values of the heat source, solar radiation parameter, and magnetic number enhanced the entropy number and temperature profile.

Statistics:

  • The heat transfer increased by 2.27%, 5.93%, and 12.11% for NFs, THNFs, and THNFs, respectively, compared to the base fluid (Engine Oil) at a heat generation parameter value of 0.3, indicating enhanced thermal performance with increasing solid content.
  • The drag force improved by 75.93%, 77.48%, 76.48%, and 76.51% for Engine Oil, NFs, THNFs, and THNFs, respectively, as the magnetic number increased from Ha=0.5-1.5, confirming the significant influence of magnetic field strength on flow resistance.

Sources:

  • Advanced Cooling and Solar Aircraft Applications Using Mhd Carreau Trihybrid Nanofluid With Solar Radiation. International Journal of Modern Physics B, 2025.
  • Beijing Institute of Technology, Adv Res Inst Multidisciplinary Sci, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China, J. Iqbal, Contact: www.worldscientific.com/; www.worldscinet.com/ijmpb/ijmpb.shtml

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