Numerical analysis of the fluid flow and heat transfer of a hybrid PV-thermal collector and performance assessment

In recent years, new materials and absorber configurations have been proposed to improve the performance of hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) collectors. This work analyses fluid flow energy an uncovered water-based PV-T collector with a roll-bond thermal absorber. A detailed CFD model was developed results were compared experimental features provided by manufacturer. The show uneven distribution among microchannels which leads areas larger PV cell temperatures thus lower electricity generation. layers also modelled using transfer equations layer-by-layer. run for several water inlet flow-rates obtain curve. that electrical efficiency is 14.5–10.3% than PV-only system 20–30 °C, respectively. reproduces accurately collector, maximum error 6.5% 20–60 °C. Therefore, this can be used confidence propose alternative designs achieve homogeneous temperature in layer overall performance.