Numerical simulation and experimental validation of a novel Sandwich Glazed Photovoltaic Thermal (SGPV/T) water heating system

Abstract

ABSTRACT The operating temperature of the photovoltaic (PV) cell is essential in converting the renewable radiant energy emitted by the sun into direct current to meet various energy demands. It should be remembered that the photovoltaic efficiency and temperature of the solar PV cell are indirectly proportional. The performance of the PV module can be greatly enriched by minimizing the operating temperature of the semiconducting PV cells, and this is accomplished by removing the surplus heat from the PV module. This paper proposes a novel sandwich- glazed photovoltaic (SGPV) module as an alternative to the standard PV module for overheating protection and assessment of the photovoltaic, thermal, and overall efficiency of the sandwich-glazed photovoltaic thermal (SGPV/T) system. Effects on photovoltaic efficiency and temperature distribution in the SGPV/T system and the standard PV module are also compared. Furthermore, the programmed electrical and thermal models are simulated using MATLAB for comparative analysis. Experiments were conducted in India under the climatic conditions prevailing at Coimbatore (latitude: 11.10ºN; longitude: 76.96ºE). Subsequently, the performance and outlet water temperature of the SGPV/T system are significantly improved with an average photovoltaic, thermal, and overall efficiency of 9.67, 41.34, and 66.78%, respectively.