Performance of building integrated photovoltaic thermal systems for the panels installed at optimum tilt angle

Abstract

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) thermal technology is an emerging area of recent development which can be implemented to make net zero energy building. In this technology, PV panels serve as structural elements and air duct is provided below the PV panel for air flow in order to increase both electrical and thermal efficiencies. In this study, HDKR (Hay, Davies, Klucher, Reindl) model based insolation corresponding to optimum tilt angle of the panel is used in energy equilibrium equation for developing mathematical model of BIPV thermal system. Different mass flow rate of air through the duct with series combination is taken for evaluating the electrical and thermal performance of both semi-transparent and opaque BIPV thermal system installed at optimum tilt angle. Both electrical and thermal output increases with increase in mass flow rate and the output converges at certain value. The results also indicate that the semi-transparent BIPV thermal systems are more efficient than opaque BIPV thermal system for all values of tilt angle of PV panel. Room temperature of BIPV thermal system having mass flow rate of 1 kg/s through the duct are presented for different state capital of India at their respective optimum tilt angle.