Effect of Silica Oxide SiO2/Water Nanofluids Volume Concentration Ratio on Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) Collector Efficiency

Abstract

The main challenge for photovoltaic systems is to withstand the high surface and ambient temperatures caused by direct solar radiation, which decreases system efficiency. This research aims to develop a photovoltaic thermal system cooling method using nanofluid SiO2/water with a volume concentration of 0.5-1.5 vol.% and a radiation rate of 450-850W/m2. The working fluid flow rate is between 1.8 and 6 L/min at each radiation rate. SiO2/water 1.5 vol.% under 850W/m2 radiation with a flow rate of 6 L/min produced the best results, with an average overall efficiency of 71.99%, the thermal efficiency of 63.43%, and electrical efficiency of 8.56%. However, the highest electrical energy efficiency was achieved at 650W/m2 with a 9.27% efficiency.