Exploration of Nano uid Photo-thermal Chemistry and Photovoltaics Combined System

A hybrid solar energy system integrating nanofluid methanol decomposition and photovoltaics is proposed. The energy conversion efficiencies of the methanol decomposition and photovoltaics is analyzed at different volume concentration and nanoparticle diameters. The results of the transmitted and absorbed sunlight spectrum point out that the nanofluid character can control the output of electricity and chemical energy. Moreover, the output has the highest sensitivity to volume concentration, while the sensitivity for particle diameter is low. This can reduce the requirement for particle diameter distribution. The efficiency of the concentrator silicon photovoltaic cell in the hybrid system is 11% higher than the individual silicon photovoltaics system. The solar-to-fuel efficiency of the methanol decomposition can achieve as high as 76%, and peaks at the volume concentration of 0.002%~0.004% and particle diameter of 10~60 nm. This work can provide a new path for the full-spectrum conversion of solar energy.