Performance evaluation of solar photovoltaic/thermal systems
Journal
Solar Energy
Journal Volume
70
Journal Issue
5
Pages
443-448
Date Issued
2001
Author(s)
Abstract
The major purpose of the present study is to understand the performance of an integrated photovoltaic and thermal solar system (IPVTS) as compared to a conventional solar water heater and to demonstrate the idea of an IPVTS design. A commercial polycrystalline PV module is used for making a PV/T collector. The PV/T collector is used to build an IPVTS. The test results show that the solar PV/T collector made from a corrugated polycarbonate panel can obtain a good thermal efficiency. The present study introduces the concept of primary-energy saving efficiency for the evaluation of a PV/T system. The primary-energy saving efficiency of the present IPVTS exceeds 0.60. This is higher than for a pure solar hot water heater or a pure PV system. The characteristic daily efficiency η,s reaches 0.38 which is about 76% of the value for a conventional solar hot water heater using glazed collectors (η,s = 0.50). The performance of a PV/T collector can be improved if the heat-collecting plate, the PV cells and the glass cover are directly packed together to form a glazed collector. The manufacturing cost of the PV/T collector and the system cost of the IPVTS can also be reduced. The present study shows that the idea of IPVTS is economically feasible too. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
SDGs
Other Subjects
photovoltaic system
Type
journal article