Recent advances in numerical simulation of multi-physics coupling problem in suspension flow photothermal conversion

Solar photothermal conversion represents a straightforward and efficient approach to harnessing solar energy. Enhancing the photothermal efficiency of base liquids through particle addition necessitates extensive mechanistic investigations on suspension flow photothermal conversion. To quantify full-spectrum characteristics and thermal radiation transport across various media, it is necessary to consider the contribution of different media components to light absorption, refraction, and scattering across the entire wavelength range. Particle concentration, shape, and orientation exert major influences on the spatial distribution of the light intensity field in the suspension and thus impact the photothermal conversion traits. The objective of this paper is to review recent advances in numerical simulation of multi-physics coupling problems in suspension flow photothermal conversion in terms of fundamental concepts, applications, as well as limitations. An in-depth discussion on photothermal conversion mechanisms is provided by bridging microscale particle absorption and scattering with macroscale flow and photothermal conversion dynamics. Based on the established physical models, numerical methods for solving the multi-physics coupling problem of suspension flow and photothermal conversion are reviewed. The present paper also covers the models of photothermal conversion processes, optical properties of nanoparticles, solutions for radiation transfer, and multi-physics interplay among light intensity field, temperature field and flow field, which highlights the current challenges and future prospectives.