Performance Analysis of an Open-Flow Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) Solar Collector with Using a Different Fins Shapes

Generally, photovoltaic panels convert solar energy into electricity using semiconductor materials in their manufacture by converting energy into electricity by absorbing heat from solar radiation, which requires reducing the heat of these panels to improve the efficiency of electricity generation. Therefore, the issue of cooling photovoltaic panels became one of the objectives that were addressed in many studies, while cost reduction was the most important concern in the manufacture of these panels, followed by low energy consumption. In this work, the performance analysis for PV panels was achieved through using two models (Model-C and Model-S) of open-flow flat collector improves the cooling process for PV panel. The investigations of open-flow flat collector have been performed and analyzed using experimental and numerical methods. The simulation analysis was carried out by ANSYS FLUENT 17.0 software with two open-flow flat collector modules. Results appeared the effect of collector design (fin shape) on PV/T system performance and PV panel temperature, it was the percentage of difference temperature with uncooled PV panel 8.4% and 9.8% for Model-C and Model-S, at 1:00 p.m., while the performance of PV panel increased to 23.9% and 25.3% with both models, respectively at (1:00 p.m.). The evaluation result demonstrates that the performance of PV/T system increased, also the fins in open-flow collector helped the system enhance.

Automated summary

Photovoltaic panels convert solar energy into electricity by using semiconductor materials and absorbing heat from solar radiation, but the efficiency of electricity generation is affected by the panel's temperature. Thus, cooling photovoltaic panels has become a focus of research, with cost reduction and energy consumption being important considerations. This study used two models of open-flow flat collectors to analyze the performance of PV panels and improve the cooling process. The results showed that the collector design had an impact on the PV/T system performance and panel temperature, with an increase in panel performance observed with both models.