Abstract
The aim of the present study is the simultaneous optimization of thermal and electrical efficiencies of a solar photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) air collector. The analytical expressions for thermal parameters and thermal efficiency are derived by developing energy balance equation for each component of PV/T air collector. In order to calculate the electrical parameters and electrical efficiency of PV/T air collector the five–parameter current–voltage (I–V) model and a set of translation equations are used. An experimental setup for a typical PV/T air collector is built to measure its thermal and electrical parameters. The experimental validation of the used thermal and electrical models has been carried out by the measured data. It is observed that there is a good agreement between simulated and experimental results. Finally, the simultaneous optimization of the PV/T air collector has been carried out to maximize thermal and electrical efficiencies, simultaneously. Furthermore, the optimized ranges of inlet air velocity, duct depth and the objective functions in optimal Pareto front have been obtained.
Highlights
PV systems are one of the main substitutes for fossil fuels since they exhibit many merits such as cleanness, little maintenance and no noise
The electrical efficiency of a PV system is highly dependent on its surface temperature
In order to increase the electrical efficiency of PV system and reduce its energy payback time (EPBT), it is combined with the solar air/water heater collector
Summary
PV systems are one of the main substitutes for fossil fuels since they exhibit many merits such as cleanness, little maintenance and no noise. In order to increase the electrical efficiency of PV system and reduce its energy payback time (EPBT), it is combined with the solar air/water heater collector. This type of a system is called solar photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) collector. Infield et al [4] have suggested reducing the temperature of the PV module by flowing air between the PV module and the double glass wall for space heating They have developed a steady-state model to evaluate an overall heat loss coefficient and thermal gain factor. Strojniški vestnik - Journal of Mechanical Engineering 58(2012) 309318 energy and exergy performance of a micro-channel photovoltaic thermal (MCPVT) collector under the constant mass flow rate of air.
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