Experimental Performance Evaluation of a PV/T System Under Real-Time Climatic Conditions /

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