A Review on the Methodology for Calculating Heat and Exergy Losses of a Conventional Solar PV/T System

Abstract

The heat loss and exergy loss from solar PV/T hybrid system can significantly reduce the first and second law efficiencies and consequently the cost effectiveness of the system. It is important to assess correctly these two losses and subsequently improve the performance of PV/T system. This article aims to present a comprehensive review and systematic summarization of methodology for calculating heat and exergy losses of conventional PV/T system. Included are the descriptions of heat and exergy losses calculating approaches in terms of heat transfer process analysis and exergy analysis theory, and the generalizations of correlations developed for heat loss and exergy loss prediction, particularly as applied to typical PV/T collectors. Based on the overview of research conducted to date, it is evident that there is still further works that need to be carried out with respect to the calculations of heat and exergy losses. This review work will be beneficial to the design, simulation, analysis, and performance assessment of the solar PV/T hybrid system.