Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic - Thermal System Using Simulation and Experimental Approach
Date
2023-11
Authors
Subedi, Ashok
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
I.O.E. Pulchowk Campus
Abstract
One potential solution for overcoming the use of fossil fuels involves renewable sources
like solar energy. The most efficient way of extracting the solar energy is through solar
PV system which tends to decline as the temperature of cell rises. A promising approach
to enhance both the electrical performance of PV and the acquisition of beneficial heat
energy is through the implementation of photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems. This
technology aims to increase overall system efficiency.
This research undertook the development and examination of a PVT water system
employing a serpentine-type tube configuration. To analyse outlet and cell
temperatures, ANSYS software was utilized. The investigation encompassed a range of
mass flow rates, spanning from 0.001 kg/sec to 0.005 kg/sec, and three heat flux rates
(600, 800, and 1000 W/m2). The study also encompassed real-world testing under
Nepal's weather conditions, following the parameters set in the simulation.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results unveiled peak thermal and electrical
efficiencies of the system at 59.3% and 11.6%, respectively. Experimental testing
yielded slightly lower figures, with thermal and electrical efficiencies measuring 53.5%
and 10.4%, correspondingly.
Notably, the PV system's electrical efficiency was gauged at 9.6%, while the PVT
system reached 10.4%, underscoring the PVT system's enhanced efficiency due to its
cooling impact and lower cell temperatures compared to standalone PV systems. The
study highlighted that thermal efficiency exhibited a direct correlation with mass flow
rate, whereas cell temperature exhibited an inverse relationship with increasing mass
Description
This research undertook the development and examination of a PVT water system
employing a serpentine-type tube configuration. To analyse outlet and cell
temperatures, ANSYS software was utilized. The investigation encompassed a range of
mass flow rates, spanning from 0.001 kg/sec to 0.005 kg/sec, and three heat flux rates
(600, 800, and 1000 W/m2). The study also encompassed real-world testing under
Nepal's weather conditions, following the parameters set in the simulation
Keywords
Solar Photovoltaic - Thermal System,, Simulation,, Experimental Approach