Abstract
A photovoltaic-thermal water heating system is a hybrid energy conversion device transforming the incident solar radiation to yield electrical energy and thermal energy. Plane reflectors are found to be a convenient option for enhancing the solar radiation incident on the collector plane. The present work investigates the performance of a photovoltaic-thermal water heater integrated with a plane reflector mounted on the top edge of the collector for the tropical climate of Calicut (11.25°N, 75.78°E). Performance testing of the system has been carried out for the winter season of the location. The variations in thermal and electrical output are studied for various inclination angles of the reflector. The system performance is evaluated on the basis of system energy efficiency and exergetic efficiency. It is observed that there is a significant enhancement in the thermal and electrical output of the system with the integration of the reflector as compared to the system without the reflector. For the present system, the reflector tilt angle in the range of 85–100° has been found to be suitable in terms of enhanced system output and exergetic efficiency for the winter conditions of Calicut.
Highlights
Simultaneous utilisation of electrical energy and thermal energy using hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) systems is a key area of interest in the context of renewable energy utilisation
For the present system, the reflector angle in the range of 85–100∘ has been found to be suitable in terms of enhanced system output and exergetic efficiency
The present study has investigated the performance of a plane reflector integrated photovoltaic-thermal water heating
Summary
Simultaneous utilisation of electrical energy and thermal energy using hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) systems is a key area of interest in the context of renewable energy utilisation. Water heating systems using solar flat plate collectors have been recognized as a cost effective option, especially for domestic applications. Dynamic performance modelling of a photovoltaic-thermal collector for water heating in buildings using simulation model based approach was presented which investigated the effect of the series connection of modules, inlet water temperature, and mass flow rate of water [12]. The present work investigates the energy and exergy performance of a PV/T water heater integrated with a single plane reflector mounted on the top edge of the collector. This is considering the simplicity of design and in view of the space limitations. In the present work, based on detailed energy and exergy analysis of the system, the range of reflector tilt angle suitable for the winter conditions of Calicut has been proposed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
