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Experimental Performance Comparison of a Modular Water-Based Photovoltaic-Thermal System Under Multiple Hydraulic
Carlos Roberto Coutinho1, Rodrigo Fiorotti1, Marcelo Eduardo Vieira Segatto2
1Department of the Electrical Engineering, Federal Institute of Espírito Santo, Rod. BR-101, km 58, São Mateus 29932-540, ES, Brazil.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems offer significant energy savings for water heating in Brazil. These systems achieved up to 76.53% efficiency gains compared to conventional solar panels, reducing grid stress.
Area of Science:
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Thermal Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Electric water heating constitutes 13% of residential electricity use in Brazil, contributing to peak grid demand.
- PVT systems present a viable alternative for domestic thermal energy supply and grid stress reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally evaluate the performance of a modular water-based PVT system under tropical conditions.
- To compare the PVT system's performance against a conventional PV system under identical environmental conditions.
Main Methods:
- A PVT system with commercial PV modules, roll-bond heat exchangers, storage tank, and shower outlet was tested.
- Three hydraulic regimes were evaluated: natural thermosiphon, closed-loop, and forced circulation.
- An ESP32-based data acquisition system monitored electrical, thermal, and meteorological variables.
Main Results:
- PVT modules showed a slight electrical efficiency decrease due to higher cell temperatures.
- Simultaneous thermal energy generation compensated for electrical losses, yielding overall efficiency gains.
- Efficiency gains over the reference PV system were 74.04% (Normal), 76.53% (Forced), and 7.62% (Closed) circulation.
Conclusions:
- Forced-circulation scheduling and aligning thermal generation with consumption are crucial for optimizing PVT performance.
- PVT systems can effectively replace electric showers in tropical regions, lowering residential energy consumption.
- Implementation of PVT systems can significantly mitigate peak-demand stress on electrical grids.
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