Influence of absorber plate shape factor and mass flow rate on the performance of the PVT system

Abstract

In this paper, a realistic mathematical model is presented to study the performance of photovoltaic thermal system (PVT). The model considers the effect of control parameters like shape factor (Z) and mass flow rate (m) simultaneously to optimize the efficiency of PVT system. Simulation process based on iterative method is applied to different types of absorber plate shapes namely v-groove and curved shape grooves. To the best of our knowledge curved groove absorber plates has not been considered in the past. Photovoltaic and outlet temperature, electrical and thermal energy and exergy efficiencies, pressure drop are evaluated as a function of mass flow rate using Nusselt and Reynolds number for different Z values. The results indicate fall in temperature both for PV and outlet temperature and rise in energy and exergy values and pressure drop with mass flow rate. It is predicted that efficiency of PVT system can be improved when the value of Z lies in the range (1.3≤Z<2) which corresponds to curve shape grooves in absorber plate. Further it is found that curved shaped grooves in the absorber plate can be a good substitute to V-grooves for low and high values of m.