Energy and exergy analysis of solar photovoltaic thermal system: Experimental and numerical verification

Abstract

In this study, the electrical and thermodynamic performance of a flat-plate liquid PV/T system was investigated, and the experimental results were verified with a numerical model implemented. The simulation analyses showed that the increasing inlet and ambient temperature had a negative effect on thermal efficiency and the highest thermal efficiency was obtained at 800 W/m2 solar radiation. The optical efficiency of the experimental system was verified with the simulation and reported as 45.8% and 47.9%, respectively. Hourly electrical, thermal, and total energy efficiencies obtained hourly on a daily basis were calculated and varied between 12-13.8%, 36.1-45.2%, and 49.1-58.4% respectively on daily basis. The hourly exergy analyses were also carried out and the results showed that the exergy efficiencies changed between 13.8-14.32%. The annual total thermal and electricity energy outputs were calculated as 1,912 kWh and 556.8 kWh respectively.