Energy and exergy analysis of a long-term nonlinear dynamic roll bond PVT solar collector model under Tunisian (North Africa) climatic conditions

Abstract

Roll-bond type PVT modules drew little attention while offering a higher energy exchange area and an efficient heat transfer solution. Furthermore, comparative studies including exergetic assessment on PVT systems are very limited in the literature. In this paper, a novel and detailed nonlinear dynamic roll bond PVT model is performed under real-world weather conditions that provide reasonable and realistic system performance. By incorporating local solar, thermal, exergy, and electrical models based on five diode parameters, a thorough analysis is conducted. Likewise, a unique, rigorous exergy comparison between PV, thermal, and roll bond PVT systems is conducted. Results reveal that there appears to be a direct relationship between wind velocity and changes in ambient temperature which affect exergy efficiency. Higher irradiance and lower wind speeds lead to increased thermal losses, which lower the electrical exergy efficiency of the PV and PVT solar collectors.The exergy analysis reveals that a PVT system outperforms PV + ST, and findings show that for thermal and electrical parts, the yearly average efficiencies are 33.7 % and 12.27 %, respectively. Findings enable a fast and an accurate assessment of fill factor (FF), which is temperature-dependent, over the course of a year’s worth of PVT collector operation.