PVT Systems Research Articles

Novel design and performance analysis of a selectively filtered nanofluid spectrum semi-trough solar concentrated photovoltaic/thermal system

ABSTRACT In this paper, the main novelty is the proposal and performance analysis of a novel selectively filtered nanofluid spectrum semi-trough solar concentrated photovoltaic-thermal (SPVT) system. Experimental preparation and optical tests of Ag-CoSO4/water nanofluid are conducted. The selected nanofluid for the SPVT system has an average absorptance of 53.5% and an average transmittance of 46.5% in 250.0 ~ 2500.0 nm. The optical analysis results show that the optical efficiency of the SPVT system is 94.3% under the optical filtering condition. When the solar tracking error increases to 0.3°, the optical efficiency of the SPVT system can still be kept at 84.8%. This means that the SPVT system has relatively good adaptability on solar tracking error. The operation performance analysis results indicate that under the optical filtering condition, the electric power and photo-electric efficiency of the PV subsystem are 392.1 W and 30.9%, and the thermal efficiency of the SPVT system is 40.7%. Effects of four factors on the thermal performance of the SPVT system are evaluated, which are the inlet nanofluid flow velocity and temperature, environmental temperature and convection heat transfer coefficient between the nanofluid flow channel and air. The results show that the thermal performance of the SPVT system can be improved by properly increasing the inlet nanofluid flow velocity and environmental temperature or by reducing the inlet nanofluid temperature and convection heat transfer coefficient between the nanofluid flow channel and air. When the inlet nanofluid flow velocity increases from 0.002 m/s to 0.004 m/s, the thermal efficiency of the SPVT system increases from 40.9% to 50.7%, and with the inlet nanofluid temperature increased from 6.0°C to 14.0°C, the thermal efficiency decreases from 48.6% to 45.6%. The results of this paper can provide certain reference for research and development works of solar PVT systems in the future.

Energy and exergy analysis of a long-term nonlinear dynamic roll bond PVT solar collector model under Tunisian (North Africa) climatic conditions

Roll-bond type PVT modules drew little attention while offering a higher energy exchange area and an efficient heat transfer solution. Furthermore, comparative studies including exergetic assessment on PVT systems are very limited in the literature. In this paper, a novel and detailed nonlinear dynamic roll bond PVT model is performed under real-world weather conditions that provide reasonable and realistic system performance. By incorporating local solar, thermal, exergy, and electrical models based on five diode parameters, a thorough analysis is conducted. Likewise, a unique, rigorous exergy comparison between PV, thermal, and roll bond PVT systems is conducted. Results reveal that there appears to be a direct relationship between wind velocity and changes in ambient temperature which affect exergy efficiency. Higher irradiance and lower wind speeds lead to increased thermal losses, which lower the electrical exergy efficiency of the PV and PVT solar collectors.The exergy analysis reveals that a PVT system outperforms PV + ST, and findings show that for thermal and electrical parts, the yearly average efficiencies are 33.7 % and 12.27 %, respectively. Findings enable a fast and an accurate assessment of fill factor (FF), which is temperature-dependent, over the course of a year’s worth of PVT collector operation.

Optimization of the PVT performance with various orientations of jets and MFFNN-RSA prediction model for smart buildings

The combined thermal and photovoltaic technology in PV/T systems is considered as a greatly promising technology for smart buildings. Thus, investigations for enhancing the PV/T performance are still proceeding. This research presents an investigation for novel configurations of cooling jets for the PVT system. The linear and circular distribution for the inlet jets considering regular and irregular positioning for all the jets as new cooling configurations are implemented. Moreover, the proposed geometrical configurations are optemized regarding the performance to identify the most suitable configuration that achieves the optimum efficiency and temperature. Furthermore, a novel hybrid ANN model is presented for predicting the performance of the PVT systems. This model combines the multi-feedforward neural network (MFFNN) with an optimization technique called reptile search algorithm (RSA). The proposed model can process the studied parameters to predict the PVT performance parameters (top surface temperature, temperature un-uniformity, outlet temperature, and efficiencies). The proposed MFFNN-RSA model minimized the mean square error to less than 0.4857×10-3. The maximum temperature decrease achieved by the presented configuration reached 60.62K compared to the uncooled case, while the minimum temperature un-uniformity reached 1K and 6K for 400 and 1000 W/m2, respectively. The increase of the ambient temperature found to decrease the temperature un-uniformity in all the cases. The irregular jet with the linear distribution was found to achieve the optimum performance of the overall, thermal, and electrical efficiencies of 63.5%, 49.6%, and 14.25%, respectively. Furthermore, the electricity production cost was reduced by 11.6%, and the yearly CO2 emissions were reduced by 215.3 kg/m2 compared to the normal PV system. The proposed irregular-line distribution of the jets is found to be the best configuration regarding the temperature of the PV model and the overall efficiency considering the pumping losses.

An effective parametric sensitivity analysis to improve electrical and thermal energy/exergy efficiency of PVT system using nanofluid

A 3D steady-state model of a photovoltaic/Thermal system with nanofluid is studied to investigate the electrical and thermal performance of PVT by utilizing a combination of statistical modeling and numerical simulation. The 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) modeling of the photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) is performed using Ansys Space Claim. The current study is based on using a 2-way coupling FSI approach for modeling nanofluid-based PVT systems. Five output responses electrical power, thermal power, electrical exergy, thermal exergy, and entropy generation are chosen against four input parameters, solar radiation (G_sun), ambient temperature (Tamb), mass flow rate (ṁ), and nanoparticles concentration % (φ) to analyze system performance. A statistical prediction model is developed using response surface methodology (RSM) that starts from the design of experiment (DOE). The predicted outcomes obtained from the statistical model and the numerical simulation of the heat transfer model exhibit the existence of good fitness. Furthermore, optimization is performed using RSM for various optimization objectives to suggest the ideal design parameter values for optimal system performance. Sensitivity analysis illustrates that a rise in ambient temperature causes a drop in electrical power production and leads to an increase in thermal power. However, the increase in solar radiation boosts electrical power and causes a drop in thermal exergy, entropy generation increases with an increase in solar irradiation. Similarly, an increase in mass flow rate leads to an increase in thermal power. Multi-objective optimization with the highest composite desirability values depicts the influence of input design parameters and has a favorable effect on the objective of concurrently maximizing electrical and thermal power.

The Effect of Surfactant on the Stability of Inorganic Salt Hydrated Phase Change Material Containing Graphene Nanoplatelet: An Experimental Investigation

The use of nano phase change material (PCM) as a heat transfer agent has spread and expanded as its thermal conductivity is higher than the base PCM, so its use has been increased in PVT systems. In this study, inorganic salt hydrated PCM was used as a base material and Graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) as an additive to improve the thermal conductivity of the resulted nano-PCM and its stability was studied using Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) surfactants. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of surfactant on the stability of different GNP concentration in CaCl2.6H2O PCM. The nano-PCM has been prepared using two-step method. The stability of nano-PCM depends on the surfactant used to slow the sedimentation of nanoparticles in the base PCM. The sedimentation process significantly reduces the thermal conductivity of nano-PCM and thus reduces heat transfer. The study results indicated that the employment of surfactant significantly affected the stability of nanoparticles added in the base PCM. The stability test ascertained the effectiveness of the surfactant applied in phase change material. With successive addition of surfactant, the stability of GNP in PCM was further enhanced to +49.3 mV of Zeta potential value.

Analysis of night behavior and negative running for PVT system

High absorption of PV benefits heat collection in the daytime, but the heat loss to the space/environment because of its high emissivity also should be noticed. Although there are many papers investigating PVT, few of them cover the night behavior and negative running during late afternoon. This paper supplements detailed studies on related content to draw people's attention to the night and late-afternoon operation that helps better strategy establishment and less heat loss. From experiments, the clouds help hinder the PV radiant heat exchange with space. Under clear night, the PV bottom temperature can be 6.88 °C lower than air temperature and the water tank's bottom temperature drops 2.8 °C. Because of the fluid viscosity, no apparent temperature stratification and flow occur in the PVT water pipe, causing even PV temperature. The higher the water temperature, the easier the negative running occurs during late afternoon, although the irradiation is still high at 521W/m2. Heat loss power and energy are −199W and 1791 KJ from 15:10 to 17:40. Based on different regressed linear correlations of different PVT systems, the effect of water temperature, irradiation, and ambient temperature on the negative performance is also comparatively studied.

Techno-Econo-Enviro Assessment of Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV-T) System for Residential Use in Iran Based on Köppen Climate Classification

The reason for utilizing PV-T systems is their capability to generate both electricity and heat at the same time, which enhances energy efficiency and decreases the need for multiple energy sources. Considering the potential of solar energy and different climates in Iran, in this research, the feasibility, modeling, and comparison of the PV-T system to supply electricity and heat to residential units were investigated in 28 cities with 9 climates of Iran. A thorough evaluation of performance was conducted using the software Polysun 9.0 and PVsyst 6.6.8 for a duration of one year. The scientific novelty of this study relies on the simultaneous utilization of two analytical software, the thoroughness of the research, and taking into account the impact of climate on the findings. Investigations showed that the best performance of the designed system is related to Bandar Abbas and Zahedan, and the worst performance is related to Rasht and Sari. In general, according to the amount of electricity and heating produced by the PV-T system, it showed that Shiraz and Rasht stations have the highest and lowest production of energy. In terms of environmental effects, Birjand station will have the most and Rasht the least reduction in CO2 emissions. In terms of heating energy demand for the investigated building, Ardabil has the highest amount and Bandar Abbas has the lowest amount.

Experimental analysis on thermal energy storage performance of micro-encapsulated stearic acid and stearyl alcohol PCM slurries; A comparative study

This study examined the thermal performance of a slurry containing micro-encapsulated phase change materials (me-PCMs) for thermal energy storage (TES) applications such as solar thermal or PVT systems. Specifically, the study focused on stearic acid (SAC) and stearyl alcohol (SAL) as the phase change materials, dispersed within an ethylene glycol aqueous solution. The research revealed that increasing the concentration of PCM in the slurry led to improved latent heat energies for both micro-encapsulated stearic acid (me-SAC) and micro-encapsulated stearyl alcohol (me-SAL) slurries during melting and solidification processes. Moreover, me-SAL slurries exhibited higher latent heat energies compared to me-SAC slurries at the same concentrations. The addition of CTAB surfactant positively influenced the stability of the slurry dispersion, ensuring a more even distribution of me-PCMs within the base fluid. These findings highlight the potential of me-SAC and me-SAL slurries as effective materials for TES applications. Significantly, me-SAL slurries outperformed me-SAC slurries in TES performance due to their greater latent heat energies during melting and solidification.

Experimental and Theoretical Evaluation of a Commercial Luminescent Dye for PVT Systems

Combining photovoltaic (PV) and photo-thermal (PT) energy collection strategies in a single system can enhance solar energy conversion efficiencies, leading to increased economic returns and wider adoption of renewable energy sources. This study focuses on incorporating a commercial luminescent organic dye (BASF Lumogen F Red 305) into ethylene glycol to explore its potential for PVT applications. The optical and electrical characteristics of the working fluid were evaluated at different temperatures under direct solar irradiance. Pristine ethylene glycol reduced the maximum PV cell temperature by 10 °C. The inclusion of luminescent dye at various concentrations further reduced the maximum temperature, with the lowest concentration achieving a 7 °C decrease compared to pristine ethylene glycol. The highest dye concentration (0.50 wt%) resulted in a significant temperature reduction of 12 °C. While electrical conversion efficiencies decreased with increasing dye concentration, all concentrations exhibited higher fill factors compared to the bare PV cell during the 100-min illumination period. A ray-tracing model was employed to analyze the behavior of the luminescent dye and quantify transmitted energy for electricity and thermal energy production. Different concentrations showed varying energy outputs, with lower concentrations favoring electrical energy and higher concentrations favoring thermal energy. Economic assessment revealed the viability of certain concentrations for specific countries, highlighting the trade-off between thermal and electrical energy generation. These findings provide valuable insights for PVT system applications in different geographical and economic contexts.

Optimizing MWCNT-Based Nanofluids for Photovoltaic/Thermal Cooling through Preparation Parameters.

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were employed as added particles for nanofluids in this practical investigation. To identify the most appropriate nanofluid for cooling PVT systems that are functional in the extreme summer environment of Baghdad, the parameters of base fluid, surfactant, and sonication time used for mixing were examined. Water was chosen as the base fluid instead of other potential candidates such as ethylene glycol (EG), propylene glycol (PG), and heat transfer oil (HTO). Thermal conductivity and stability were important thermophysical qualities that were impacted by the chosen parameters. The nanofluid tested in Baghdad city (consisting of 0.5% MWCNTs, water, and CTAB with a sonication period of three and a quarter hours) resulted in a 119.5, 308, and 210% enhancement of thermal conductivity (TC) for water compared with EG, PG, and oil, respectively. In addition, the nanofluid-cooled PVT system had an electrical efficiency that was 88.85% higher than standalone PV technology and 44% higher than water-cooled PVT systems. Moreover, the thermal efficiency of the nanofluid-cooled PVT system was 20% higher than the water-cooled PVT system. Finally, the nanofluid-cooled PVT system displayed the least decrease in electrical efficiency and a greater thermal efficiency even when the PV panel was at its hottest at noon.

Solar harvest: Enhancing carbon sequestration and energy efficiency in solar greenhouses with PVT and GSHP systems

It is universally acknowledged that climate change brings widespread attention to solar greenhouse plant carbon sequestration. Suitable technologies in solar greenhouses were, are, and will be play a leading role in this vital transition. The primary aim of this research is to examine the energy efficiency and carbon sequestration potential of a solar-assisted ground-source heat pump (SAGSHP) heating system. This hybrid system, which integrates a horizontal ground-source heat pump (GSHP) system with PVT and heat storage, can efficiently fulfill the heating demands of a greenhouse and function as a positive energy building. Four plants include cucumber, tomato, cowpea, and lettuce were selected to compare the carbon absorption effects. Results show that the hybrid system outperforms conventional systems, with a coefficient of performance (COP) of 6.71 during peak hours and PVT efficiency over 57.88%, which effectively meet the heat load of the greenhouse and keep the indoor heat comfortable. In addition, for the carbon sequestration potential of four plants, tomato exhibited the highest photosynthetic carbon sequestration of 3522 kgCO2·m−2. Cowpea showed the strongest daily carbon sequestration capacity at 26.86 gCO2m−2d−1 and better economic income. Through the application of this enhanced solar greenhouse, people can enhance the utilization of solar energy, establish flexible interaction between energy and information flow, and make a promising option for sustainable building design.

Yearly Energy, Exergy, and Environmental (3E) Analyses of A Photovoltaic Thermal Module and Solar Thermal Collector in Series

The annual performance of a hybrid system of a flat plate photovoltaic thermal system and a solar thermal collector (PVT/ST) is numerically analyzed from the energy, exergy, and environmental (CO2 reduction) viewpoints. This system can produce electricity and thermal power simultaneously, with higher thermal power and exergy compared to conventional photovoltaic thermal systems. For this purpose, a 3D transient numerical model is developed for investigating the system's performance in four main steps: (1) investigating the effects of the mass flow rate of the working fluid (20 to 50 kg/h) on the temperature behavior and thermodynamic performance of the system, (2) studying the impacts of using glass covers on the different parts of the system, (3) evaluating the annual energy and exergy analyses of the system under Mashhad weather conditions, and (4) examining the CO2 reduction by using the proposed system. The results show that for the (glazed) PVT and (glazed) ST systems, increasing the mass flow rate of the working fluid from 20 to 50 kg/h results in 22% and 1.5% improvements in both thermal and electrical power, respectively. However, the thermal exergy of the system decreases by 40.1%. Furthermore, the (glazed) PVT/(glazed) ST systems generate approximately 86% and 264% more thermal power and energy than the PVT/ST systems, respectively. Using a (glazed) PVT/(glazed) ST system with a working fluid’s mass flow rate of 50 kg/h results in maximum thermal and electrical efficiencies of 40.7% and 16.22%, respectively. According to the annual analysis, the highest average thermal and electrical power, equal to approximately 338.3 and 24 W, respectively, is produced in August. The amount of CO2 reduction increases by increasing the mass flow rate and using a glass cover. The PVT/(glazed)ST system has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 426.3 kg per year.

Recent technical approaches for improving energy efficiency and sustainability of PV and PV-T systems: A comprehensive review

Photovoltaic (PV) technology is recognized as a sustainable and environmentally benign solution to today’s energy problems. Recently, PV industry has adopted a constant effort to enhance module power up to 500 W with prolonged stability of crystalline silicon for around 25–30 years. Such progress contributed to a 10-fold cost drop since the early 2000 s, reaching less than 0.20 €/Wp as of October 2020. At the same time, the scientific community has also followed multiple ways and approaches to improve the performance of PV systems and make them more economically and sustainably attractive. Although various works in the existing literature have dealt separately with these approaches, this review paper reassembles all the available techniques and strategies in a unique reference and combined fashion with a special focus on novel techniques. This paper comprehensively reports the most recent approaches and techniques developed by researchers worldwide to improve PV modules' performance. First, a review of PV technology from a material science point of view is given. Performance and economic indexes used to assess the viability of solar PV technology are then given. Recent progress on photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems, sun-tracking mechanisms, bifacial PV configurations, floating and submerged PV systems is summarized, as well. Most recent novel combined approaches for enhancing the performance of PV systems are being reported here for the first time. Moreover, the current study also sheds light on perspectives and challenges for PV technology from an engineering point of view. Overall, PV technology demonstrates a great ability to reach the expected installed capacity by 2030 with decreasing cost trends. The global PV/T capacity that increased by an average of 9 % per year between 2018 and 2020 indicates promising development perspectives, especially in Europe. Last but not least, the floating PV and AgroPV systems are destined to grow.

Enhancing efficiency of PVT systems with finned PCM technology

An increase in solar panel temperature reduces panel electrical efficiency, necessitating efficient active and passive cooling methods. This study proposes the introduction of Phase Change Material (PCM) on the backside of the solar panel, along with extended fins. The experimental investigation focuses on utilizing extended surfaces known as Thermal Conductivity Enhancers (TCE) in the PV-PCM (Photo Voltaic - Phase Change Material) module. Two independent aluminum fin designs are considered to enhance the thermal conductivity (k) of the PCM, analyzing the influence of the surface contact area and material volume fraction on the PV surface temperature during the charging period of the Production Validation Test-Pulse Code Modulation (PVT-PCM) panel. The experimental results demonstrate that an array of longitudinal and lateral fins with an optimal thickness of 3 mm maintains a lower temperature gradient throughout the process, significantly reducing the surface temperature of the PV panel. Numerical simulations using ANSYS Fluent were conducted for both the lateral- and cross-fin configurations, showing good agreement with the observed experimental data. This study aims tofill this research gap by optimizing PV panel cooling through the selection ofthe fin geometry, size, shape, and PCM.

Numerical Study for the Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Benefits of Using Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV/T) System for Hot Water and Electricity Production under a Tropical African Climate: Case of Comoros

Several rural regions located in Africa are experiencing recurrent and even permanent problems in terms of energy production, supply, and distribution to citizens. This study was conducted to investigate the relevance of the use of a new solar technology that is gradually responding in Europe and in industrialized countries. It is about the use of hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) solar panels that co-produce electricity and hot water for local use. Furthermore, in Africa, local use of solar energy can provide a share in the energy mix. This work is motivated by the lack of studies on these hybrid solar panels in tropical climates. Hence, the paper examines the potential for integration of these systems in small households. A complete PV/T system consisting of solar panels, pump, storage tank, batteries, and controllers was tested and calibrated by using the TRNSYS simulation tool. A comparative study could thus be carried out for the performance of PV/T in a tropical climate (case of the city of Koua in the Comoros) to its performance in Mediterranean and continental climates (Marseille in the south and Longwy in the northeast of France). The results quantify the performance of the PV/T in the three climates and show that the performance in the town of Koua is 44% to 54% higher than in European climates. It can be concluded from this study that the Comorian market and more generally the sub-Saharan market for PVT systems has a good potential for development.

Insight into the investigation of Fe3O4/SiO2 nanoparticles suspended aqueous nanofluids in hybrid photovoltaic/thermal system

This experimental study aims to evaluate the energetic performance of a photovoltaic-thermal system with a serpentine tube collector. A photovoltaic-thermal unit with a serpentine tube collector is used to compare the unit's performance metrics to those of a PV panel without cooling. The considered heat transfer fluid is the hybrid nanofluid prepared using water and Fe3O4/SiO2 nanoparticles. Using irradiance data from an average day in Aligarh, India, the experiment is conducted in indoor environment in a solar simulator under regulated operating circumstances. Effects of mono and hybrid nanofluids are examined at 3% wt. concentration for varying flow rates (20, 30, 40 LPM). The experimentation analysis showed that the maximum drop in PV temperature at 20 LPM is 25 °C, 24 °C, and then 16 °C for Fe3O4/water, SiO2/water, and Fe3O4/SiO2 nanofluids-based PVT systems, respectively with a highest possible increase in electrical efficiency of 12.6 percent, 18.46 percent, and 24.34 percent, respectively, when compared to traditional PV systems. At a flow rate of 40 LPM, the best performance is obtained using a hybrid PVT method coupled with an aqueous Fe3O4/SiO2 nanofluid. Additionally, it is discovered that hybrid nano-fluid-based PVT systems exhibit 10.5% and 5% greater thermal efficiency than Fe3O4-Water and SiO2-Water PVT systems, respectively. The overall highest efficiency of 67% is achieved for hybrid nanofluid at a flow rate of 40LPM. The hybrid Fe3O4/SiO2 nanofluid is capable of serving as an acceptable cooling fluid for the PV/T collector, as evidenced by the PV/T system's notable improvement in thermal and electrical efficiency and prominent cooling impact. Keywords : Solar energy, Hybrid nano-fluid, Heat transfer, Electrical Power, Thermal Efficiency, PVT system. • The role of hybrid nanofluids for the performance of PVT systems was studied. • Hybrid nature of nanofluid make it more stable than mono-nanofluid. • Electrical and thermal efficiency were analysed at fixed concentration and varying flowrate. • Comparison of Fe 3 O 4 /SiO 2 nanofluid is carried out with individual mono-nanofluid.

Quantifying thermophysical properties, characterization, and thermal cycle testing of nano-enhanced organic eutectic phase change materials for thermal energy storage applications

Dispersion of highly conductive nanoparticles in Phase Change Materials (PCMs) tends to improve the thermophysical properties of nanocomposites. The current research condenses the synthesis, chemical, physical, and thermal characterization of novel nano-enhanced eutectic phase change materials (NeUPCMs) dispersed with TiO 2 nanofillers for thermal management applications. The base matrix primarily comprises of a eutectic of paraffin wax and palmitic acid. Detailed analysis of the uncertainty of each thermophysical property measured was performed. The synthesized nanocomposite logged a maximal thermal conductivity of 0.59 W/mK (2.3-fold as compared with the base-0.25 W/mK) with 0.5% nanofillers. The composites displayed excellent solar transmissivity (82%) as they were doped with nanofillers having a high refractive index. The latent heat of the NeUPCMs got enhanced by 17% whereas the melting point showed a slight decrement in nanocomposites. Further, zero phase segregation, no subcooling, stable phase transition temperature, and good chemical, and thermal stability were noted from digital scanning calorimetry results with NeUPCMs. The composites exhibited good thermal reliability beyond 500 thermal cycles. It could be potentially deployed in the thermal management of medium-temperature systems like PVT and LCPVT systems. • Novel nanocomposites were synthesized using paraffin wax, palmitic acid, and TiO 2 . • Nanocomposite had a maximal enhancement of 131.5% in thermal conductivity. • 38% rise in solar transmittance when compared with the eutectic base. • Thermophysical properties remained stable even after 500 thermal cycles.

Erratum to “Performance analysis of PVT systems applicable to apartment housing structures: experiment and simulation”

Erratum to “Performance analysis of PVT systems applicable to apartment housing structures: experiment and simulation”

4E performance evaluation of PV, PV/Thermal, and solar domestic water Heater for building integration in the Moroccan country

In this work, an exhaustive global comparison of the performance of three solar systems, namely, the PV, the PV/Thermal, and the Solar Domestic Water Heater (SDWH), was conducted. The energetic, exergetic, environmental, and economic (4E) performances were evaluated to determine the most suitable technology for the needs of the Moroccan building sector. In this framework, two mathematical models for the estimation of the thermal and electrical performances of the solar systems were developed and validated using TRNSYS and Matlab software. The results showed that from an energetic standpoint, the Moroccan building sector is a fertile ground for the three solar systems. With regard to the exergetic performance, the PVT system has a higher total exergy efficiency of 12% compared to 11% for the PV and 3% for the SDWH system. As for the environmental performance, the PVT and the SDWH systems outperform the PV system due to higher energy production, with a minimum of 351kgCO2/year for the PV and a maximum of 1809 kgCO2/year for SDWH. Economically, the results highlighted the high sensitivity of the economic attractiveness of the PVT and SDWH systems to the subsidized gas price; and the importance of a subsidy policy to help ameliorate it. This study could serve as a guideline for stakeholders in the country to recognize the opportunities and challenges facing the integration of solar technology into buildings.

Performance analysis of PVT systems applicable to apartment housing structures: experiment and simulation

Performance analysis of PVT systems applicable to apartment housing structures: experiment and simulation