Thermal and electrical enhancement of PV/T system using dimpled/protruded channels

Ashif Perwez, Da Li, Ngenzi Jean Piaget, Guangzhao Qin and Xiong Zheng

Energy, 2025, vol. 327, issue C

Abstract: Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology faces efficiency challenges from operational heat accumulation. This study introduces an innovative photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system with dimpled/protruded channels to simultaneously enhance electrical output and harvest thermal energy. The integrated design combines PV modules with a thermal collector, improving cell efficiency while capturing waste heat for agricultural drying and building heating applications. Four novel channel configurations were developed and tested under controlled conditions (Re = 3157–10524, radiation intensity = 96 mW/cm2). The teardrop dimpled with small spherical protrusion (TRDD/P) channel demonstrated superior thermal and electrical performance, achieving experimental Nusselt numbers of 40.42–134.84 and numerical values of 37.70–126.15 - representing 3.58-3.93 × enhancement over conventional flat channels. At maximum Reynolds number (Re = 10524), the TRDD/P configuration yielded peak electrical power with 16.76 % efficiency improvement compared to baseline systems. Numerical simulations revealed optimized heat transfer patterns and fluid dynamics in dimpled structures, confirming their effectiveness in reducing thermal resistance while maintaining favorable pressure characteristics. These findings demonstrate the TRDD/P system's potential for dual energy harvesting applications, particularly in large-scale photovoltaic installations where combined electrical-thermal efficiency is critical. The study provides quantitative design guidelines for implementing enhanced PV/T systems, addressing both performance optimization and practical implementation challenges in renewable energy infrastructure.

Keywords: PV/T system; Nusselt number; Thermal performance; Electrical efficiency; Dimpled/protruded channel (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:327:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225020961

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.136454

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