Investigating Performance of Hybrid Photovoltaic–Thermal Collector for Electricity and Hot Water Production in Nigeria

Kar R. Awai, Peter King (), Kumar Patchigolla () and Sagar M. Jain ()
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Kar R. Awai: School of Water, Energy and Environmental, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
Peter King: School of Water, Energy and Environmental, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
Kumar Patchigolla: Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS2 1DJ, UK
Sagar M. Jain: School of Water, Energy and Environmental, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-17

Abstract: The research work explores the impact of temperature on Silicon photovoltaic (PV) panels, considering Nigeria as a case study. It is found that high solar radiation in Nigeria increases the surface temperature of PV panels above 25 °C of the optimal operating temperature. The redundant energy gain from solar irradiance creates heat at the rear of solar panels and reduces their efficiency. Cooling mechanisms are therefore needed to increase efficiency. In this study, we demonstrated a unique hybrid system design employing a heat exchanger at the back of the panel, with water circulated through the back of the PV panel to cool the system. The system was simulated using TRNSYS at three locations in Nigeria—Maiduguri, Makurdi, and Port Harcourt. The results of the peak annual electrical power output in Maiduguri give a power yield of 1907 kWh/kWp, which is the highest, due to a high solar radiation average of 727 W/m 2 across the year. For Makurdi, the peak annual electrical power output is 1542 kWh/kWp, while for Port Harcourt the peak power output is 1355 kWh/kWp. It was observed that the surface temperature of Polycrystalline Si-PV was decreased from 49.25 °C to 38.38 °C. The electrical power was increased from 1526.83 W to 1566.82 W in a day, and efficiency increased from 13.99% to 15.01%.

Keywords: photovoltaic–thermal hybrid; TRNSYS simulation; peak annual electrical yield; peak annual thermal yield; surface temperature (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: 2024
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