Closed-loop aluminium oxide nanofluid cooled photovoltaic thermal collector energy and exergy analysis, an experimental study

Abstract

PV/T collector cooling was studied experimentally regarding the energy and exergy analysis by Al2O3 nanofluid circulation which is in two different flow patterns. A 20 W polycrystalline PV module was used as a comparison module. Identical PV modules were used for the construction of PV/T collectors, too. PV/T-A collector model was created with the PV module, a copper coil tube was the nanofluid circulated was placed to the backside of it. A PV/T-B collector was made up by placing the Al2O3 nanofluid circulating polyamide channel structure on the backside of the PV module. A 50 W monocrystalline PV module was used to supply power to the circulation pump and heat exchanger fans to provide energy independence from mains electricity. PV/T-A and PV/T-B collectors exposed to 792.83 W/m2 solar radiation equivalent 121.3 W solar power were cooled 28.94% and 48.54% better regarding the PV module. Electrical power outputs are 5.8 W, 8.13 W, 10.34 W for the PV module, PV/T-A, and PV/T-B collectors. Electrical gaining from the PV/T-A and PV/T-B collectors increased 40.17% and 78.27% by cooling. Thermal gaining from PV/T-A and PV/T-B collectors are 42.8 W and 53.39 W. First and second law efficiencies were determined as 4.78%, 42%, 52.52%, and 5.01%, 7.35%, and 9.42% for PV module, PV/T-A, and PV/T-B collectors. Enhancement in solar utilization with PV/T-A and PV/T-B collectors are 45.13 W, and 57.93 W and proportionate equivalents to 37.2% and 47.75%. Enviro-economics size was estimated as 0.094 tCO2/year, and 0.121 tCO2/year carbon reduction and equivalent 1.41$ and 1.81$ carbon trade value.