Simulation and optimization on a novel air-cooled photovoltaic/thermal collector based on micro heat pipe arrays

Abstract

To further enhance the performance of an air-cooled photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system, this study integrates micro heat pipe arrays (MHPAs) and serrated fins as the primary heat dissipation components. The lumped-parameter method was utilized to establish a mathematical model for the previously proposed PV/T system based on MHPAs. The model reliability was validated with the test data (errors within ± 10 %). Subsequently, the influence of solar irradiance, ambient temperature, airflow velocity inside the duct, and component structure on the air-cooled PV/T system performance was analyzed and optimized using the method of controlling variables. The impact of varying the condensing section length of the MHPA from 4 to 28 cm on the system performance was analyzed, and it was found that the condensing section length had a relatively small effect on the system thermoelectric performance. When the optimal comprehensive performance was achieved with fin heights ranging from 6 to 18 mm, heat collecting efficiency remained stable at around 19.5 %. When the cross-sectional dimension of the duct was 25 cm, the power generation efficiency reached its maximum value of 12.59 %. Such research findings provide data support for the promotion, development, and wider applications of air-cooled PV/T systems in energy utilization.