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Integrated photovoltaic-thermal system utilizing front surface water cooling technique: An experimental performance
Khodadad Mostakim1, Md Ridwanul Akbar1, Md Aminul Islam2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, Rajshahi - 6204, Bangladesh.
Heliyon
|February 9, 2024
Summary
This study presents a novel sprayed water photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system that boosts PV panel efficiency by up to 16.78% and achieves 70.6% thermal efficiency. The system offers a sustainable solution for simultaneous electricity and hot water generation.
Area of Science:
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Sustainable Energy Technologies
- Thermal Engineering
Background:
- Optimizing photovoltaic (PV) panel operating temperatures is crucial for enhancing energy conversion efficiency in photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems.
- Existing PVT systems face challenges in effectively managing panel temperatures while simultaneously producing electricity and thermal energy.
- There is a need for innovative cooling mechanisms to improve the performance and efficiency of PVT systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel sprayed water photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system for simultaneous electricity and hot water generation.
- To investigate the impact of water flow rates and tilt angles on PV panel efficiency and collector thermal performance.
- To assess the effectiveness of the water spraying cooling mechanism in reducing PV panel temperatures and improving overall system efficiency.
Main Methods:
- A PVT system was designed incorporating a flat plate collector and a water spraying mechanism for PV panel cooling.
- Experiments were conducted with varied water flow rates and a fixed tilt angle of 45 degrees.
- PV panel temperatures, outlet water temperatures, and electrical/thermal efficiencies were measured and analyzed.
Main Results:
- The optimal tilt angle for panel efficiency was found to be 45 degrees.
- Higher water flow rates led to lower collector outlet temperatures.
- Peak thermal efficiency reached 70.6% with hot water at 84.6°C.
- PV panel efficiency increased by up to 16.78%, particularly at a flow rate of 1.56 L/min.
- Panel temperatures were reduced from 45.08°C to 34.12°C.
- A self-cleaning spray mechanism enhanced efficiency by 2.53%, leading to an overall system efficiency of 83.3%.
Conclusions:
- The sprayed water PVT system effectively enhances both electricity generation and thermal energy production.
- The water spraying cooling technique significantly improves PV panel performance by reducing operating temperatures.
- The system demonstrates a promising approach for sustainable and efficient energy harvesting, offering substantial improvements in overall system efficiency.
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