Electrical and Thermal Performances of Bi-Fluid PV/Thermal Collectors

Photovoltaic (PV) modules suffer from a reduction of electric conversion due to the high operating temperatures PV cells. Hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) technology represents an effective solution for cooling This paper discusses theoretical study on novel bi-fluid PV/T collector. One dimensional steady-state numerical model is developed, and computer simulations are performed using MATLAB. based pilot plant, installed in Campus University Catania, was experimentally validated. The design proposed commercial WISC collector, which added air channel, aluminum absorber with fins, layer thermal insulation. analysis behavior collector carried out as function flow rate two heat transfer fluids (air water). Finally, comparative between conventional water-based namely PV/T, (water/air-based) PVT, PV/Tb, presented both winter summer days. For investigated day, results show overall improvement performance module, increase energy transferred liquid side 20%, 15.3% yield comparison Instead, loss 0.2% electricity observed. No improvements were observed during day.