Design and theoretical study of new configuration of photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) solar collector

Abstract

This study aims to compare how well different designs of combined photovoltaic-thermal collectors work in terms of electricity and heat production. One big benefit of photovoltaic-thermal collectors, compared to regular solar panels, is that they cool down the module and make it produce more electricity efficiently. In simple terms, using this method produces heat and electricity in a device, which means one needs less space to install the collector and module. In a recent study, scientists looked at how well different designs of a solar panel that is also used to generate heat performed. They tested using water to keep it cool. To study and understand how different shapes and sizes affect the performance of a solar panel, we used a computer program called MATLAB to create models of the panel. The research shows that the sheet and tube design with a round or rectangular shape is the most efficient in terms of heat and overall performance. Moreover, when a glass cover is present, it causes electricity to be less efficient while making heat efficiency and overall heat energy higher.