Design and Performance of a Hybrid PV/T Solar Water Heater
Abstract
In this paper we present design considerations and experimental results of a thermosyphonic hybrid PV/T solar system that is investigated at the University of Patras. Hybrid PV/T systems can provide electrical and thermal energy, thus achieving a higher energy conversion rate of the absorbed solar radiation. We tested outdoors PV/T prototypes consisted of pc-Si PV modules and heat exchanger of copper sheet with copper pipes, for two system types (PVT/UNGL and PVT/GL). We used commercial PV modules, which give about 12%-15% efficiency, depending on the operating temperature and the use or not of additional glazing. During the experiments the generated electricity was transmitted to a load, simulating real system operation. Steady state tests of the system were performed outdoors to determine collector thermal efficiency. The glazed PV/T collector presents remarkably higher thermal output than the unglazed PV/T collector, but the electrical output of it is reduced due to additional optical losses. The experimental study of the tested thermosyphonic hybrid PV/T solar device showed that it can perform effectively during all year long, achieving at least 40° C of hot water and producing electricity at a satisfactory level.
- Publication:
-
7th International Conference of the Balkan Physical Union Organized by the Hellenic Physical Society with the Cooperation of the Physics Departments of Greek Universities
- Pub Date:
- January 2010
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.3322301
- Bibcode:
- 2010AIPC.1203.1019T
- Keywords:
-
- photovoltaic solar cells;
- thermal radiation;
- heat transfer;
- 84.60.Jt;
- 44.40.+a;
- 44.25.+f;
- Photoelectric conversion: solar cells and arrays;
- Thermal radiation;
- Natural convection