Effect on the exergy of the PVT system of fins added to an air-cooled channel: A study on temperature and air velocity with ANSYS Fluent

The energy and exergy analyzes of the air-based PVT system were investigated. In addition, the temperature distribution of the panel surface and air velocity distribution of the cooling channel was analyzed with ANSYS Fluent and was compared experimental datas. Experiments were performed for the empty, the frequent and the sparse fins status. As a result of using the sparse and frequent fins compared to the empty status, the exergy efficiency of the polycrystal and the monocrystal panels is approximately increased by 70% and 30% respectively. The thermal efficiency of their is approximately increased by 55% and 70% respectively. It has been observed that the panel surface temperature for all configurations has approximately decreased between 10 and 15 degrees C. The temperature contour images obtained by means of ANSYS Fluent were agreement with the experimentally obtained values. The air velocity of regions near fins is more slowly because of the friction effect and the viscous forces, it is faster and more laminar at the regions in the inlet-outlet of the air channel and at regions in between of fins.