Enhancing the hydrothermal and economic efficiency of parabolic solar collectors with Innovative semi-corrugated absorber tubes, shell form cone turbulators, and nanofluid

Journal article

Samad, S., Saeidlou, S., Khan, M. N., Alamry, A., Al-Harbi, L. M., Sharifpur, M. and Ghoushchi, S.P. 2025. Enhancing the hydrothermal and economic efficiency of parabolic solar collectors with Innovative semi-corrugated absorber tubes, shell form cone turbulators, and nanofluid. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering. 75 (107003). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2025.107003
AuthorsSamad, S., Saeidlou, S., Khan, M. N., Alamry, A., Al-Harbi, L. M., Sharifpur, M. and Ghoushchi, S.P.
Abstract

This study proposes a performance-enhancing design for parabolic trough solar collectors by integrating a novel semi-corrugated absorber tube with an innovative shell-form cone turbulator, operating with CuO–water nanofluid. Numerical simulations were conducted across a Reynolds number range of 4,500–10,930 to evaluate the effects of corrugation radius (0.5–1.5 mm), nanofluid volume fraction (1–3%), and turbulator geometry. Three turbulator designs—full (FSFCT), semi (SSFCT), and hollow (HSFCT) shell-form cone turbulators—were analyzed to identify optimal configurations. Performance was assessed from both hydrothermal and economic perspectives using the performance evaluation criterion (PEC), levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and payback time. Results indicate that the configuration combining a semi-corrugated tube with a 1.5 mm radius, 3% CuO nanofluid, and the FSFCT achieved a 369% increase in Nusselt number, an LCOE of 0.546 $/kWh, and a payback time of 3.6 years, confirming its economic superiority. From a thermal-hydraulic perspective, the highest PEC value of 2.77 was obtained using the HSFCT under the same conditions.

KeywordsParabolic trough solar collector; Semi-corrugated absorber tube; Shell form cone turbulators; Hydrothermal analysis; Economic analysis
Year2025
JournalCase Studies in Thermal Engineering
Journal citation75 (107003)
PublisherElsevier
ISSN2214-157X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2025.107003
Official URLhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25012638
Publication dates
Online09 Sep 2025
Publication process dates
Accepted05 Sep 2025
Deposited17 Sep 2025
Accepted author manuscript
License
File Access Level
Restricted
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
References

1. S. Alshehery, Q. Al Mdallal, A. A. Altohamy, L. B. Said, M. Bouzidi, T. Alkathiri and L. Kolsi, Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2025, 105849.
2. Z. Zhao, F. Bai, X. Zhang and Z. Wang, Solar Energy, 2020, 207, 91-102.
3. M. S. Nazir, A. Shahsavar, M. Afrand, M. Arıcı, S. Nižetić, Z. Ma and H. F. Öztop, Sustainable energy technologies and assessments, 2021, 45, 101103.
4. M. Arun, D. Barik, H. Ahmad, I. Alraddadi, M. A. Shenashen and Z. A. Khan, Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2024, 61, 104840.
5. A. Alhamayani, Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2024, 57, 104321.
6. A. Alhamayani and M. Al-lehaibi, Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2024, 59, 104593.
7. R. Elarem, T. Alqahtani, S. Mellouli, W. Aich, N. B. Khedher, L. Kolsi and A. Jemni, Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2021, 24, 100859.
8. B. Kumar, A. Awasthi, J. Lee and Y. Jeon, Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2025, 66, 105783.
9. W. Fuqiang, T. Zhexiang, G. Xiangtao, T. Jianyu, H. Huaizhi and L. Bingxi, Energy, 2016, 114, 275-292.
10. A. A. Al-Rashed, A. A. Alnaqi and J. Alsarraf, Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers, 2021, 124, 192-204.
11. M. Zaboli, S. S. Mousavi Ajarostaghi, S. Saedodin and M. Saffari Pour, Applied Sciences, 2021, 11, 7423.
12. T. Limboonruang, M. Oyinlola, D. Harmanto and N. Phunapai, Applied Thermal Engineering, 2025, 263, 125317.
13. S. Samad, S. Saeidlou, I. Mahariq, N. Kraiem, A. Alamry, P. A. Hoskeri and S. Ghoushchi, Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2025, 106462.
14. B. Stanek, J. Ochmann, D. Węcel and Ł. Bartela, Energies, 2023, 16, 3716.
15. Y. Jebbar, F. Fluiful and W. Khudhayer, Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, 2024, 20.
16. R. Venkatesaperumal, K. Syed Jafar, P. V. Elumalai, M. Abbas, E. Cuce, S. Shaik and C. A. Saleel, Sustainability, 2022, 15, 378.
17. A. Painuly, G. Joshi, P. Negi, P. Zainith and N. K. Mishra, International Journal of Thermal Sciences, 2025, 208, 109399.
18. A. Painuly, N. K. Mishra, P. Zainith and R. Das, Numerical Heat Transfer, Part A: Applications, 2025, 86, 687-708.
19. A. Painuly, N. K. Mishra and P. Zainith, Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 2024, 149, 3965-3980.
20. P. K. Namburu, D. P. Kulkarni, D. Misra and D. K. Das, Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 2007, 32, 397-402.
21. M. H. Mosavian, S. Z. Heris, S. G. Etemad and M. N. Esfahany, Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 2010, 12, 2611-2619.
22. A. Y. Bhat and A. Qayoum, Thermochimica Acta, 2022, 714, 179267.
23. S. Alshehery, Q. Al Mdallal, A. A. Altohamy, L. Ben Said, M. Bouzidi, T. Alkathiri and L. Kolsi, Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2025, 67, 105849.
24. S. Samad, S. Saeidlou, I. Mahariq, N. Kraiem, A. Alamry, P. A. Hoskeri and S. P. Ghoushchi, Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2025, 106462
25. M. Jafaryar and M. Sheikholeslami, Renewable Energy, 2022, 198, 534-548.
26. M. Aliehyaei, A. H. Joshaghani and M. M. Najafizadeh, Engineering Analysis with Boundary Elements, 2023, 150, 492-506.
27. N. Mashoofi, S. Pourahmad and S. M. Pesteei, Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2017, 10, 161-168.
28. M. E. Nakhchi and J. A. Esfahani, Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 2021, 145, 2535-2545.
29. F. Vahidinia, A. Aghaei and H. Khorasanizadeh, Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer Research, 2025, 12, 209-226.
30. W. Al-Aloosi, Y. Alaiwi and H. Hamzah, Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2023, 49, 103378.
31. P. Liu, N. Zheng, Z. Liu and W. Liu, Energy conversion and management, 2019, 179, 30-45.
32. M. Y. Al Shdaifat, R. Zulkifli, K. Sopian and A. A. Salih, Micromachines, 2020, 11, 416.
33. N. M. Maleki, S. Pourahmad, E. Tavousi, N. Perera, P. Talebizadehsardari and A. Keshmiri, International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, 2025, 161, 108406.
34. M. Malekan, A. Khosravi and S. Syri, Applied Thermal Engineering, 2019, 163, 114435.
35. A. Hosseini Esfahani, M. Aliehyaei, A. Hassani Joshaghani and M. M. Najafizadeh, Energy Engineering and Management, 2023, 12, 80-99.
36. A. Kasaiean, M. Sameti, R. Daneshazarian, Z. Noori, A. Adamian and T. Ming, Renewable energy, 2018, 123, 439-449.
37. R. Suresh Isravel, M. Raja, S. Saravanan and V. Vijayan, Materials Today: Proceedings, 2020, 21, 127-129.
38. A. Lintermann, in Clinical and biomedical engineering in the human nose: A computational fluid dynamics approach, Springer, 2020, pp. 85-115

Permalink -

https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/9vz64/enhancing-the-hydrothermal-and-economic-efficiency-of-parabolic-solar-collectors-with-innovative-semi-corrugated-absorber-tubes-shell-form-cone-turbulators-and-nanofluid

Download files

Publisher's version
Published Version.pdf
License: CC BY-NC 4.0
File access level: Open

  • 899
    total views
  • 20
    total downloads
  • 10
    views this month
  • 3
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Reliability-oriented optimization of composite drill pipes Using integrated finite element and reinforcement learning framework
Rasheed, S., Saeidlou, S., Kraiem, N., Alamry, A., Mahariq, I. and Javidparvar, A.A. 2026. Reliability-oriented optimization of composite drill pipes Using integrated finite element and reinforcement learning framework. Polymer Composites. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.70514
Comprehensive investigation of prediction methods, applications, challenges, and factors affecting the thermo-physical behavior of nanofluids
Deng, X., Ali B.M.A., Jasim, D.J., Singh, N.S.S., Saeidlou, S., Ahmad, Z., Baghoolizadeh, M., Fazilati, M.A. and Sahramaneshi, H. 2026. Comprehensive investigation of prediction methods, applications, challenges, and factors affecting the thermo-physical behavior of nanofluids. International Journal of Thermal Sciences. 220 (110317). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2025.110317
Bayesian-optimized surface energy microstructure-informed model of active dissolution in CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloys
Chahlaoui, Y., Saeidlou, S., Al-Harbi, L. M., Alamry, A., Alshehery, S., Mahariq, I. and Javidparvar, A. A. 2025. Bayesian-optimized surface energy microstructure-informed model of active dissolution in CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloys. Materials Today Communications. 49 (113741). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2025.113741
An investigation into the effects of various phase change materials on industrial electronic systems' cooling rates through experimentation based on a specific dimensionless number
Leng, Z., Basem, A., Al-Nussairi, A. K. J., Singh, N. S. S., Saeidlou, S., Al-Khafaji, M. O., Alizade, M., Yazdekhasti, A., Salahshour, S. and Baghaei, S. 2025. An investigation into the effects of various phase change materials on industrial electronic systems' cooling rates through experimentation based on a specific dimensionless number . International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer. 169 (A), p. 109573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2025.109573
Influence of graphene nanoplate size and heat flux on nanofluid heat exchanger performance: A molecular dynamics approach
Yang, Z., Basem, A., Jasim, D.J., Singh, N.S.S., Saeidlou, S., Al-Bahrani, M., Sajadi, S.M., Salahshour, S. and Hasanabad, A.M. 2025. Influence of graphene nanoplate size and heat flux on nanofluid heat exchanger performance: A molecular dynamics approach. International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer. 167 (109386). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2025.109386
Investigating the effect of variable heat flux on buckling of carbon nanotubes using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation
Hou, G., Al-Mussawi, W., Khidhir, D.M., Singh, N.S.S., Saeidlou, S., Al-Bahrani, M., Salahshour, S., Sajadi, S.M. and Hasanabad, A.M. 2025. Investigating the effect of variable heat flux on buckling of carbon nanotubes using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation. International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer. 167 (109300). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2025.109300
Nonlocal dual-phase-lag thermoelastic damping in in-plane vibrations of rotating rectangular cross-sectional nanorings according to nonlocal elasticity theory
Gârleanu, G., Mahariq, I., Saeidlou, S., Dobrota, D. and Tajbakhsh, M.R. 2025. Nonlocal dual-phase-lag thermoelastic damping in in-plane vibrations of rotating rectangular cross-sectional nanorings according to nonlocal elasticity theory. Acta Mechanica. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00707-025-04426-2
Energy-economy analysis of a novel spiral channeled conical turbulator Inserted within the parabolic trough solar collector absorber tube
Samad, S., Saeidlou, S., Mahariq, I., Kraiem, N., Alamry, A., Hoskeri, P. and Ghoushchi, S.P. 2025. Energy-economy analysis of a novel spiral channeled conical turbulator Inserted within the parabolic trough solar collector absorber tube. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering. 73 (106462). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2025.106462
Effect of channel thickness on the particle diffusion and permeability of carbon nanotubes a membrane in reverse electrodialysis process using molecular dynamics simulation
Sun, S., Basem, A., Sawaran Singh, N., Al-Zahy, Y., Saeidlou, S., Muzammil, K., Salahshour, S., Sajadi, M. and Sahramaneshi, H. 2025. Effect of channel thickness on the particle diffusion and permeability of carbon nanotubes a membrane in reverse electrodialysis process using molecular dynamics simulation. International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer. 166 (109155). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2025.109155
Closing the gap in engineering education: A positive psychology approach to CDIO
Ghadiminia, N., Saeidlou, S. and Nortcliffe, A. 2025. Closing the gap in engineering education: A positive psychology approach to CDIO.
Using evolutionary algorithms and group method of data handling ANN for prediction of the viscosity MWCNT-ZnO /oil SAE 50 nano-lubricant
Liu, Z., Ali, A. B., Hussein, R. A., Singh, N. S. S., Al-Bahrani, M., Abdullaeva, B., Saeidlou, S., Salahshour, S. and Esmaeili, S. 2025. Using evolutionary algorithms and group method of data handling ANN for prediction of the viscosity MWCNT-ZnO /oil SAE 50 nano-lubricant. International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer. 163, p. 108749. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2025.108749
Cyber-physical system security for manufacturing industry 4.0 using LSTM-CNN parallel orchestration
Saeidlou, S., Ghadiminia, N. and Oti-Sarpong, K. 2025. Cyber-physical system security for manufacturing industry 4.0 using LSTM-CNN parallel orchestration. IEEE Access. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3525520
An inspiration for all time: Pioneer Verena Holmes' impact on future engineering practice
Saeidlou, S., Nortcliffe, A., Ghadiminia, N. and Ishaq, R. 2024. An inspiration for all time: Pioneer Verena Holmes' impact on future engineering practice. International Multidisciplinary Research Journal. 3, pp. 19-30. https://doi.org/10.47722/imrj.2001.33
Integrating AI into engineering education: Leveraging CDIO for enhanced assessment
Saeidlou, S., Nortcliffe, A., Ghadiminia, N. and Imam, A. 2024. Integrating AI into engineering education: Leveraging CDIO for enhanced assessment.
Practice-based engineering design for next-generation of engineers: A CDIO-based approach
Saeidlou, S., Ghadiminia, N., Nortcliffe, A. and Lambert, S. 2023. Practice-based engineering design for next-generation of engineers: A CDIO-based approach. in: The 19th CDIO International Conference: Proceedings - Full Papers
A digital approach to health and safety management on-site: A silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic
Ghadiminia, N. and Saeidlou, S. 2023. A digital approach to health and safety management on-site: A silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic. in: Manu, P., Cheung, C., Yunusa-Kaltungo, A., Emuze, F., Abreu Saurin, T. and Hadikusumo, B. (ed.) Construction Safety, Health and Well-being in the COVID-19 Era Routledge, Taylor and Francis.
A construction cost estimation framework using DNN and validation unit
Saeidlou, S. and Ghadiminia, N. 2023. A construction cost estimation framework using DNN and validation unit. Building Research & Information. 51 (3), pp. 241-368. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2023.2196388
A hybrid clustering method based on the several diverse basic clustering and meta-clustering aggregation technique
Zhou, Bing, Lu, Bei and Saeidlou, Salman 2022. A hybrid clustering method based on the several diverse basic clustering and meta-clustering aggregation technique. Cybernetics and Systems. 55 (1), pp. 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1080/01969722.2022.2110682
Cybersecurity of smart buildings: a facilities management perspective
Ghadiminia, N. and Saeidlou, S. 2021. Cybersecurity of smart buildings: a facilities management perspective.
The legacy of Verena Holmes: inspiring next generation of engineers
Saeidlou, S., Ishaq, R., Nortcliffe, A. and Ghadiminia, N. 2021. The legacy of Verena Holmes: inspiring next generation of engineers.
Towards decentralised job shop scheduling as a web service
Saeidlou, S., Saadat, M. and Jules, G. D. 2021. Towards decentralised job shop scheduling as a web service. Cogent Engineering. 8 (1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311916.2021.1938795
Ontology-based decision tree model for prediction in a manufacturing network
Khan, Z. M. A., Saeidlou, S. and Saadat, M. 2019. Ontology-based decision tree model for prediction in a manufacturing network. Production and Manufacturing Research. 7 (1), pp. 335-349. https://doi.org/10.1080/21693277.2019.1621228
Agent-based distributed manufacturing scheduling: an ontological approach
Saeidlou, S., Saadat, M., Sharifi, E. A. and Jules, G. D. 2019. Agent-based distributed manufacturing scheduling: an ontological approach. Cogent Engineering. 6 (1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311916.2019.1565630
Knowledge and agent-based system for decentralised scheduling in manufacturing
Saeidlou, S., Saadat, M. and Jules, G. D. 2019. Knowledge and agent-based system for decentralised scheduling in manufacturing. Cogent Engineering. 6 (1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311916.2019.1582309