Development of a Transient Model of a Lightweight, Portable and Flexible Air-Based PV-T Module for UAV Shelter Hangars

Pedro Orgeira-Crespo, Carlos Ulloa, José M. Núñez and José A. Pérez
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Pedro Orgeira-Crespo: Aerospace Area, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Heat Engines and Machines, and Fluids, Aerospace Engineering School, University of Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
Carlos Ulloa: Aerospace Area, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Heat Engines and Machines, and Fluids, Aerospace Engineering School, University of Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
José M. Núñez: Centro Universitario de la Defensa (Marín), University of Vigo, 36920 Marín, Spain
José A. Pérez: Design Engineering Department, Industrial Engineering School, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-15

Abstract: This research paper introduces a mathematical model to predict the performance of photovoltaic–thermal systems (PV-T), based on a thin layer flexible panel and an air pipe, by using the Trnsys ® software tool to simulate energetic systems. The main advantage of these types of panels is their easy portability, making them ideal to address thermal needs in several scenarios. In the military field, there is an important concern about the use of sustainable energy; for instance, cooling facilities for infantry tents used in their deployments. In this research, a PV-T panel to cover electrical power needs for an infantry’s hangar unmanned air vehicle (UAV) is introduced. The proposed thermal model, based on the novelty of inertial mass (lump) as an approach to real panel behavior, has been validated through the comparison between Trnsys’ model simulation data, a real weather station, and data obtained in a test bed. Genopt’s simulation software is used to fit the model, allowing for the prediction of heat transmission coefficient values. The good match between simulated and experimental data makes the proposed model suitable for the photovoltaic–thermal prediction of panel behavior.

Keywords: PV-T; Trnsys; optimization; lump; UAV (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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