A comparative study of double-pass recycle type hybrid photovoltaic thermal designs

Abstract

ABSTRACT Photovoltaic (PV) panels play a crucial role in solar systems but are susceptible to efficiency losses caused by rising surface temperatures. This research explores four distinct recycle-type double-pass hybrid PV/T designs, employing steady-state models to cool the PV panels. The first and second designs mount the PV panel on the absorber plate, while the third and fourth designs position it directly over the absorber plate without a glass cover, allowing the sun’s radiation to fall directly on the PV module. The study investigates the significant impacts of varying values of ṁ (0.03–0.15 kg/sec), G (0.3–1.8), D (1.0–6.0), I (300–1000 W/m2), and P (0.4–0.95) on thermal and electrical efficiency, as well as net electrical power generation, taking into account pressure loss during the flow. Through the analytical study, Design-IV demonstrates the highest net electrical power, estimated at 54.82W, which is 6.27% higher than Design-III, achieved at a recycling ratio, mass flow rate, depth ratio, and packing factor of 0.9, 0.15 kg/s, 3, and 0.5, respectively. Additionally, the input parameters are optimized using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) technique. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) reveals a significant coefficient (R2) value approaching unity, indicating a strong fit of the response model to the analyzed data. By considering both single and multi-objective optimization scenarios, the study identifies optimal parameters for each PV/T design through the interaction of operational parameters. This research contributes to enhancing the efficiency and performance of double-pass recycle-type hybrid PV/T systems, enabling sustainable and effective utilization of solar energy resources.