Performance evaluation of inverted absorber photovoltaic thermal compound parabolic concentrator (PVT-CPC): Constant flow rate mode

Abstract

In this paper, a new design of a glazed and an unglazed inverted absorber partially covered photovoltaic thermal compound parabolic concentrator (PVT-CPC) water collector has been proposed. The performance of proposed systems has been compared with partially covered inclined and horizontal PVT-CPC water collector systems for constant mass flow rate mode. Analytical expressions for the outlet fluid temperature (Tfo1) and electrical efficiency of the proposed systems have been derived and presented. Based on the analytical thermal model, a software program has been developed in MATLAB 2010a to determine the outlet fluid temperature, electrical efficiency, thermal energy, electrical energy and overall exergy efficiency of the systems. The results showed that the glazed inverted absorber partially covered PVT-CPC water collector system exhibited higher values of instantaneous thermal efficiency. Further, the glazed inverted absorber partially covered PVT-CPC system is more suitable for higher thermal energy. However, the partially covered inclined PVT-CPC water collector is more favourable for electrical energy requirements. Further, the inverted absorber partially covered PVT-CPC system is cost effective.