Abstract
Due to global warming and the high toxic gas emissions of traditional power generation methods, renewable energy has become a very active topic in many applications. This study focuses on one versatile type of solar energy: Hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal System (hybrid PV/T). Hybrid PV/T combines both PV and thermal application and by doing this the efficiency of the system will increase by taking advantage of the temperature loss from PV module. The solar radiation and heat will be harnessed to deliver electricity and hot water simultaneously. In the present study a solar system is designed to recycle the heat and improve the temperature loss from PV module in order to supply both electricity and domestic hot water. The project was tested twice in Zouk Mosbeh - Lebanon; on May 18, 2016, and June 7, 2016. The average electrical efficiency was around 11.5% with an average electrical power output of 174.22 W, while with cooling, the average electrical efficiency reaches 11% with a power output of 200 W. The temperature increases by about 7 degrees Celsius from the inlet. The 1D conduction model is also performed in order to design the hybrid PV/T system.
Highlights
There are two types of solar panels that collect Sun's light and heat: solar water heating panels and photovoltaic solar panels Solar water heaters, known as solar domestic hot water systems, use solar radiation in order to heat water for domestic or residential applications
The problem with photovoltaic panels is that their efficiency drops with temperature increase at a rate about 0.4-0.5% per 1°C once the baseline temperature of 25°C has been exceeded [2]
Several methods have been developed in order to limit the efficiency drop of PV panels by cooling them
Summary
There are two types of solar panels that collect Sun's light and heat: solar water heating panels and photovoltaic solar panels Solar water heaters, known as solar domestic hot water systems, use solar radiation in order to heat water for domestic or residential applications. Several methods have been developed in order to limit the efficiency drop of PV panels by cooling them. Recent study shows that the solar panel can attain a gain of 8 to 9% of net energy by pumping water over the surface of the panel. This continuous flow of water acts as a cooling method for the cells and a cleaning agent that reduces panel soiling [2]. The objective of this study is to design a solar system that recycles the heat and improves the temperature loss from PV module in order to supply electricity and domestic hot water
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