Performance evaluation of an integrated hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) greenhouse system

Abstract

In this study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the theoretical performance and evaluation of a hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) air collector integrated with a greenhouse. Effect of design and climatic parameters on performance of a hybrid PV/T air collector integrated with a greenhouse has been carried out. The result of a hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) air collector has been compared with the results of only photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) without airflow. Numerical computation has been carried out for a typical winter day of composite climate of New Delhi. It is observed that the plant and room air temperatures are higher in the case of photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) without airflow due to direct transfer of thermal energy into the greenhouse. However, the overall thermal efficiency of a hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) air collector is higher due to low operating temperature. © 2007 Academic Journals.