Thermal and fluid dynamic optimization of a CPV-T receiver for solar co-generation applications: Numerical modelling and experimental validation

Solar co-generation, i.e., the generation of electricity and heat in a single device by concentrating sunbeams, has potential to significantly increase overall system performance. The main challenge is related cooling solar cells. In order do so, it essential reduce thermal resistance between cell transfer fluid. This paper features optimization procedure low-cost custom concentrated photovoltaic (CPV-T) receiver for parabolic trough collector using silicon A finite volume model process been developed. Hence, fluid dynamic simulation presented. optimized sink tube geometries have manufactured tested lab environment, allowing comparison modelling experimental test results. Three possible designed compared regarding their coefficient with respect non-dimensional pumping power, i.e. ratio transferred energy required pumping. finned increased up 60% baseline case without fins under similar conditions.