Simulation Approach of Photovoltaic Thermal Based on Water Collector with Rectangular Model

Abstract

The advancement of PVT technology in the contemporary era is experiencing an upward trend. This phenomenon can be attributed to the growing societal demand for energy, particularly renewable energy derived from solar sources. The present study investigates the rectangular configuration of a water-based heat absorber within a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system. The rectangular model PVT system was simulated using nine different mass flow rate of water variations within the rectangular model channel. The dataset has nine mass flow rate of water variants ranging from 0.001 kg/s to 0.009 kg/s, as well as six solar radiation variations: 500 W/m2, 600 W/m2, 700 W/m2, 800 W/m2, 900 W/m2, and 1000 W/m2. The maximum average outlet temperature achieved under 1000 W/m2 solar radiation is 50.53%, given a 0.001 kg/s fluid mass flow rate. The maximum average photovoltaic (PV) efficiency is 11.93% when exposed to 500 W/m2 solar radiation intensity. The maximum average photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) efficiency is 76.23% when exposed to 500 W/m2 solar radiation intensity. Therefore, utilizing rectangular collectors in water-based photovoltaic-thermal systems potentially substantially enhanced the average thermal efficiency and overall PVT efficiency. Consequently, it is advisable to consider incorporating rectangular collectors in the future improvements of PVT technology.