Dynamic Simulation of a CPV/T System Using the Finite Element Method

Carlo Renno and Michele De Giacomo
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Carlo Renno: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano (Salerno), Italy
Michele De Giacomo: University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano (Salerno), Italy

Energies, 2014, vol. 7, issue 11, 1-20

Abstract: The aim of this paper is the determination of a concentrating thermo-photovoltaic (CPV/T) system dynamic model by means of the finite element method (FEM). The system consist of triple-junction InGaP/InGaAs/Ge (indium-gallium phosphide/indium-gallium-arsenide/germanium) solar cells connected to a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) placed on a coil circuit used for the thermal energy recovery. In particular, the main aim is to determine the fluid outlet temperature. It is evaluated corresponding both to a constant cell temperature equal to 120 °C, generally representing the maximum operating temperature, and to cell temperature values instantly variable with the direct normal irradiation (DNI). Hence, an accurate DNI analysis is realized adopting the Gordon-Reddy statistical model. Using an accurate electric model, the cell temperature and efficiency are determined together with the CPV/T module electric and thermal powers. Generally, the CPV system size is realized according to the user electric load demand and, then, it is important to evaluate the necessary minimum concentration ratio (C min ), the limit of CPV system applicability, in order to determine the energy convenience profile. The fluid outlet temperature can be then obtained by the FEM analysis to verify if a CPV/T system can be used in solar heating and cooling applications.

Keywords: CPV/T system; heat recovery; DNI modeling; finite element method (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: 2014
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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