Computational study and experimental validation of a solar photovoltaics and thermal technology

Navid Khordehgah, Valentin Guichet, Stephen P. Lester and Hussam Jouhara

Renewable Energy, 2019, vol. 143, issue C, 1348-1356

Abstract: The work presented in the paper provides a detailed TRaNsient System Simulation (TRNSYS) model that simulates the performance of a solar photovoltaic – thermal (PV/T) collector and examines its potential contribution for household heating applications in the UK. Based on this, a system is modelled to simulate the hot water demand of a house through connecting the solar – thermal panel with a thermal storage tank, a pump and a controller. The results obtained from the simulation indicated by how much the solar panel is able to convert solar energy into electrical power and heat over different seasons of the year and provide the hot water needs of the household. The model was validated based on the experimental configurations of a hybrid heat pipe based solar PV/T module and through applying cooling cycles, the thermal and electrical outputs and efficiencies of the system were indicated. Through this, it is investigated that the temperature of the solar panel can be reduced on average by almost 25%, which subsequently, will result in an increase of the electrical power output by nearly 15%. The simulation results also assisted in investigating and analysing aspects such as the effectiveness and efficiency of the panel over different times of the year and helped to optimise the performance of the system. For instance, it is simulated that the system can provide hot water for the household throughout all seasons of the year and under different solar radiation conditions. However, it is discovered that in order for the system to meet the required output demand, input from an auxiliary power unit may always be necessary.

Keywords: PV/T solar panels; TRNSYS simulation; System modelling; Efficiency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (14)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:143:y:2019:i:c:p:1348-1356

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.05.108

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