Abstract
In this study, efficiency of water-type photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) modules that convert solar energy into both electrical and thermal energy were investigated. By using identical photovoltaic (PV) cells, one PV module and five PV/T modules differed in thermal structure with different diameters, amount and layout of absorber tubes, and type of absorber sheets were fabricated with lamination technique. Firstly, the electrical efficiency of all samples under Standard Test Conditions was tested by a sun simulator. Efficiency values were between 12.56% and 12.68% under STC. Furthermore, outdoor tests were carried out to investigate the effect of temperature on PV modules in ambient conditions using PV/T samples. In order to determine the efficiency of the units, parameters such as solar irradiation, voltage and current values, inlet and outlet water temperature and flow rate of PV/T modules and ambient temperature were measured. It was observed that the electrical performance of PV/T modules was higher than that of the PV module due to the cooling effect of water circulation over the cells. PV/T module with the highest thermal efficiency was also determined. Total efficiency value of PV/T modules in outdoor conditions were attained between 60.68% and 67.14%.
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