Numerical modelling of effect of channel width on heat transfer and ventilation in a built-in PV-Trombe wall

Abstract

The heat transfer and air flow rate in a built-in PV-Trombe wall with vertical inlet were numerically simulated based on CFD method. Effect of channel width on heat transfer and air flow rate was discussed. As the channel width increased, the natural convective heat transfer was enhanced and the PV surface was better cooled by the air which improved the PV electricity efficiency slightly. The ventilation rate through the built-in PV-Trombe wall reached its maximum at an optimal ratio of the channel width to the channel height, (b/H)opt=1/5. Dimensionless expressions to calculate the averaged heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, and the air flow rate in term of a Reynolds number were correlated according to a modified Rayleigh number by multivariable regression analysis.