Effects of the Nano-Fe3O4 Embedded Beeswax PCM's Thermal Storage Characteristics on the Performance of the 2% Hybrid Nano Coating Solar Water Heater by the Approach of Box-Behnken Design

International Journal of Mechanical Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJME Journal

Volume 12 Issue 4

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : N.V. Narasimha Rao, N. Alagappan, CH V K N S N Moorthy, Markndeyulu Vuggirala

10.14445/23488360/IJME-V12I4P103

How to Cite?

N.V. Narasimha Rao, N. Alagappan, CH V K N S N Moorthy, Markndeyulu Vuggirala, "Effects of the Nano-Fe3O4 Embedded Beeswax PCM's Thermal Storage Characteristics on the Performance of the 2% Hybrid Nano Coating Solar Water Heater by the Approach of Box-Behnken Design," SSRG International Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 4, pp. 20-36, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488360/IJME-V12I4P103

Abstract:

Solar energy is a plentiful and dependable source for power generation and heating. The present study investigates the enhancement of heat storage qualities by the unique class of nano-embedded Bees wax phase change materials (NEBPCMs). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to evaluate the synthetic NEBPCMs experimentally. A typical solar water heating system features a flat plate collector unit incorporating Nano Bees Wax phase change material (NEBPCM) combined with varying concentrations of Fe3O4 (0.01%, 0.015%, and 0.02%). The absorber plate surface is coated with a Nano-hybrid coating consisting of Black Paint, Al2O3, and additional Fe3O4 at 2% concentration. Pure water is frequently used in these solar water heaters (SWH), with performance evaluations conducted using NEBPCM (Bees Wax + Fe3O4). The system’s efficiency is assessed across different flow rates (60, 90, and 120 kg/hr) and tilt angles (15, 30, and 45 degrees). The purpose of this study is to determine whether it is feasible to use PCMs to store solar energy for water heating at night in order to ensure a continuous supply of hot water, with maximum efficiency achieved by using NEBPCM in solar water heater 54.95% at a flow rate of 120 Kg/hr, at an angle of 45 Degrees and Concentration 0.015%. 

Keywords:

SWH, BBD, Hybrid surface coating, NEBPCM, Collector performance, Optimum flow rate, Optimum angle, Optimum concentrations, Heat transfer fluid.

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