A numerical investigation of a photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) collector

The photovoltaic thermal collector can provide thermal and heat power at the same time. In this paper, a photovoltaic/thermal sheet and tube collector has been numerically investigated. The paper focuses on the development of a hybrid solar collector PV/T. This model will be applied to optimize the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Renewable energy 2015-05, Vol.77, p.43-50
Main Authors: Rejeb, Oussama, Dhaou, Houcine, Jemni, Abdelmajid
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accumulators
Collectors
Electrical-performance
Mathematical models
Modules
Photovoltaic cells
Photovoltaic thermal
Solar cells
Solar power generation
Thermal-performance
Tubes
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Summary:The photovoltaic thermal collector can provide thermal and heat power at the same time. In this paper, a photovoltaic/thermal sheet and tube collector has been numerically investigated. The paper focuses on the development of a hybrid solar collector PV/T. This model will be applied to optimize the operation of the PVT collector in the semi-arid climate. A mathematical model has been developed to determine the dynamic behavior of the collector, based on the energy balance of six main components namely a transparent cover, a PV module, a plate absorber, a tube, water in the tube and insulation. It has been validated by comparing the obtained simulation results with experimental results available in literature, where good agreement has been noted. Using our developed model, the heat and electrical power of sheet and tube collector has been analyzed for four typical days of year with the meteorological parameters of Monastir, Tunisia. Furthermore, the effect of solar radiation, the inlet water temperature, the number of glazing covers and the conductive heat transfer coefficient between plate absorber and PV module have been involved to identify their influence on the thermal and electrical efficiencies. The monthly thermal and electrical energies is also evaluated. •A dynamical model of a photovoltaic/thermal sheet and tube collector is established.•Based on the established numerical model, the electrical and thermal performances of a photovoltaic/thermal collector are calculated.•Influences of solar radiation, the inlet water temperature, the number of glazing covers and photovoltaic temperature on the thermal and electrical efficiencies are discussed theoretically.
ISSN:0960-1481
1879-0682
DOI:10.1016/j.renene.2014.12.012