Event

Direct Absorption Solar Collectors (DASCs) are devices that employ a special heat transfer medium acting as a direct radiation absorber, in order to obtain a “volumetric” thermal conversion. This technology aims to provide a higher efficiency when compared to traditional STE systems, wherein a solid coated surface typically exchanges the captured energy with the operating fluid (e.g. glycol) by means of thermal conduction.

Due to their interesting thermodynamic and optical properties, nanofluids (NFs) have been proposed as a vector for this particular process. Nanofluids are a class of substances consisting of nanoparticles (often metallic, or carbon-based) dispersed in an ordinary working liquid (water, glycol, etc.) to form a suspension. We will talk about the potential of nanofluids in thermal solar applications, and how to solve their stability and compatibility issues, with Dr. Arianna Berto of the University of Padova.

Speaker

Arianna Berto is a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University Padova, with a PhD in Thermo-mechanical Energy Engineering. Her work within the Sustainable Thermal Energy Technologies (STET) group mainly focuses on studying: the condensation and vaporization of refrigerants, for AC applications; latent heat storage systems with phase change materials (PCMs) in compressed air dryers; volumetric solar collectors employing nanofluids as base fluids; gravity effects on heat transfer phenomena, during an ESA Parabolic Flight Campaign.

How to attend

The event will take place on December 5 at 4:30 PM, in the Arduino Room at the Dept. of Geosciences. Admission is free, and open to everyone. The lecture will be held in English, and it will last for about 50 minutes, followed by a 30-minute Q&A session. Energy students who are interested in learning more about LEDS’ activities can stay after 6 PM to chat with our members.

⏳ Monday, 5 December 2022, h 16:30 ⌛

Initiative supported by the University of Padua with the funds intended for Students’ Cultural Initiatives