Abstract:
Photovoltaic (PV) modules generate electricity, and their surface temperature also
increases because of the exposure to solar irradiance. The heat effect of PV has a
significant impact on its efficiency, laying the groundwork for Photovoltaic Thermal
(PVT) collectors, combining both PV and thermal collectors. In this study, a flat plate
photovoltaic thermal (FPVT) collector was designed and fabricated with the capability
of delivering electricity and heat, the system was tested at outdoor conditions at the
National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan (33o38’32.5” N,7o59’03.6” E). Different parameters were analyzed including the effect
of temperature on the efficiency of PV cells, with and without incorporating the cooling
mechanism, PVT thermal efficiency as a function of flowrate, and the overall efficiency
of the PVT collector. The temperature of the PV cells pasted on the copper absorber was
allowed to rise, and the pump was turned on when the temperature of both the cells and
the absorber plate reached its maximum. The average maximum electrical, thermal, and
overall efficiency of the PVT collector were determined as 16.53, 49.91, and 66.44%,
respectively at a maximum flowrate of 0.8 l/min. This PVT system successfully
ascertained the electrical and thermal performance of the PVT collector with good
adherence to the literature
