Numerical and Parametric Analysis for Enhancing Performances of Water Photovoltaic/Thermal System

• Published in: Applied sciences 2022-01, Vol.12 (2), p.646
• Main Authors: El Fouas, Chaimae, Cherecheș, Nelu Cristian, Hudișteanu, Sebastian Valeriu, Hajji, Bekkay, Țurcanu, Emilian Florin, Cherecheș, Monica Lilioara
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Aluminum; Cogeneration; Cooling; Efficiency; Electric power; electrical efficiency; Electricity; Energy balance; Film thickness; Heat conductivity; Heat flux; Heat transfer; Inlet temperature; Mathematical models; Numerical analysis; numerical model; Numerical models; Parametric analysis; Parametric statistics; Photovoltaic cells; photovoltaic thermal system; Photovoltaics; Radiation; Renewable resources; solar energy; thermal efficiency; Thermal power; Velocity; water cooling; Water film; Weather
• ISSN: 2076-3417; 2076-3417
• DOI: 10.3390/app12020646

Photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems are innovative cogeneration systems that ensure the cooling of photovoltaic (PV) backside and simultaneous production of electricity and heat. However, an effective cooling of the PV back is still a challenge that affects electrical and thermal performance of the PV/T system. In the present work, a PV/T numerical model is developed to simulate the heat flux based on energy balance implemented in MATLAB software. The numerical model is validated through the comparison of the three-layer PV model with the NOCT model and tested under the operation conditions of continental temperate climate. Moreover, the effect of velocity and water film thickness as important flow parameters on heat exchange and PV/T production is numerically investigated. Results revealed that the PV model is in good agreement with the NOCT one. An efficient heat transfer is obtained while increasing the velocity and water film thickness with optimal values of 0.035 m/s and 7 mm, respectively, at an inlet temperature of 20 °C. The PV/T system ensures a maximum thermal power of 1334.5 W and electrical power of 316.56 W (258.8 W for the PV). Finally, the comparison between the PV and PV/T system under real weather conditions showed the advantage of using the PV/T.