Modeling of bifacial photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) air heater with jet plate

Abstract

This research demonstrates how to develop a novel energy balance equation to investigate heat transmission between the components of a bifacial photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) air heater with a jet plate. The temperature output and efficiency of the system are shown. A greater mass flow rate reduces the exit air temperature and increases the thermal efficiency of the thermal component. Increased sun irradiation raises the output air temperature and thermal efficiency. In terms of electrical efficiency, a greater mass flow rate reduces the temperature of the PV panel while increasing electrical efficiency. On the other hand, higher solar irradiation raises the temperature of the PV panel, lowering its electrical efficiency. The maximum thermal efficiency of BPVTJPR is 51.09% under the circumstances of 12 PV cells with a packing factor of 0.66, a jet plate reflector with 36 holes, 900 W/m2 solar irradiances, and a mass flow rate of 0.035 kg/s. The maximum electrical efficiency of BPVTJPR is 10.73% under the circumstances of 12 PV cells with a packing factor of 0.66, a jet plate reflector with 36 holes, 700 W/m2 solar irradiances, and a mass flow rate of 0.035 kg/s.