Development and experiment on the performance of polymeric hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) collector with halogen solar simulator

Abstract

The aim of our study is to see the performance of polymeric hybrid PVT collectors, which will be used to analyze the effects of Joule heating on the thermal performance of hybrid PVT collectors, especially for indoor experiments. Polymeric material has been used in hybrid PVT collectors and even longer used on flat plate collectors, generally for solar energy applications. We have developed a hybrid PVT collector with an absorber made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) combined with copper sheet. We use PMMA because it is easier to make and assemble into a hybrid PVT. In addition, PMMA also has excellent properties in optical transmittance, ultraviolet resistance, and referred absorbtance. In order to understand the details of the thermal and electrical performance of this polymeric PVT collector, we have conducted a series of four experiments by varying the mass flow rate, irradiance, and inlet water temperature. The results showed that PMMA as a thermal absorber with a copper sheet on a PVT collector can provide a beneficial cooling effect of around 80% thermal efficiency and a 0.03%/oC decrease in electrical efficiency. A steady state was reached about 30 min from the start of the experiment with a deviation of less than 4%, giving the optimum PVT efficiency at Tpvof 40–45 oC. Overall, PMMA can be used as an excellent alternative absorber for T-part in hybrid PVT collectors and is suitable for low-temperature applications.