Analysis of the energy efficiency of a system with a hybrid solar collector and thermal energy storage

Abstract

The object of research is heat transfer in a hybrid thermal photovoltaic solar collector. International agreements and strategies aimed at combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions strongly call for the active implementation of renewable energy sources on a global scale. A special emphasis is placed on the development of solar energy, which has significant growth potential due to the constant improvement of technologies and cost reduction of production. With this in mind, the authors focused on the development and analysis of a computer model of an innovative hybrid system that effectively combines a solar collector for the simultaneous production of both thermal and electrical energy. The research included a detailed study of the temperature changes of the heat carrier in the hybrid photovoltaic solar collector and thermal accumulator during the period of solar irradiation. Thanks to careful monitoring, the main patterns of gradual temperature increase in both key components of the hybrid system were established. In addition, an assessment of the dynamics of changes in the instantaneous thermal power of the solar collector under the influence of various factors, such as the intensity of solar radiation, the angle of inclination of the collector, wind speed, etc., was carried out. The results of computer modeling showed the average indicator of the efficiency of the entire hybrid system, as well as its variations during a certain time of operation. In addition, the change in the instantaneous specific heat capacity and the overall efficiency of heat energy generation by the hybrid photovoltaic solar collector were analyzed. Special attention was paid to the study of the dynamics of changes in the thermal efficiency of the entire system, as well as its ability to efficiently store thermal energy in a specialized battery. The comprehensive analysis made it possible to obtain the key thermophysical parameters of the developed hybrid system with a photovoltaic solar collector. This data is extremely important, as it will allow engineers and scientists to accurately calculate the potential performance and efficiency of such a system when it is put into practical use in the future. In general, the results of the study emphasize the promising development of hybrid solar collectors as one of the leading technologies in the field of renewable energy in the context of global challenges of climate change.