Abstract
Photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system produces both heat and electricity simultaneously with the advantages of better space utilization and higher conversion efficiency over individual solar thermal and solar photovoltaic (PV) system when operated separately. The PV/T system can control the operating temperature of PV by passing a heat transfer fluid through a heat exchanger attached to the rear of the modules. The present study analyses the performance of one such in-house built system, where the heat transfer fluid is refrigerant. Refrigerant-based PV/T system involves the integration of evaporator coils of the heat pump and PV module to form a cogeneration type system known as photovoltaic/thermal–solar assisted heat pump (PV/T–SAHP). The prototype of the PV/T–SAHP was fabricated with a double glass PV module instead of a conventional module with polyvinyl fluoride backsheet. Initially, the performance characteristics of the system are analyzed in detail using the experimental observations under a typical clear sky condition during the transition season. Following, the year-round performance of the system is predicted using an already validated numerical model. It was found that the present system can improve the average electrical efficiency by 15.20% and can achieve a coefficient of performance of 2.96.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
