This chapter includes environment feasibility of solar hybrid systems. In this regard, drying system with PVT air collector has been studied in details. It is seen that the market has different types of PV modules (a-Si, CdTe p-Si, c-Si, and CIGS) are available in the market. Further, thermal modeling has been explored to calculate the thermal energy (TE). Weather-related data has been taken from IMD, Pune, for yearly analysis. Various temperatures, namely outlet air from collector, cell, drying chamber, and crop surface have been calculated through thermal modeling developed for the system. Further, energy payback time (EPBT) for 100% PV area with different PV technologies used on flat plate air collector-integrated drying system found between 3.2 and 1.59 years. Environmental feasibility has also been evaluated for various solar PV cell technologies integrated with the system.

Environmental Feasibility of Solar Hybrid Systems

Performance improvement of the PVT module is a very important topic in recent decades. Solar energy is a vital resource for mankind. Continuous elevation of the cell temperature of the PVT module results in a decrease in PV electrical efficiency. This review paper discusses the different techniques to cool the solar cell in order to reduce its cell temperature increasing its electrical efficiency and, also use the collected vital thermal energy to heat water (increase thermal efficiency) in a heat exchanger. A brief study on PVT/PCM and PVT/Nano-fluid system is done in this review paper. Furthermore, the PVT system is observed to be a very effective way to extract most of the available solar energy. Therefore, work must be carried out to increase their efficiency with the application of nano-fluids and phase change materials along with fins, or the use of binary nano-fluids/ nano- PCM to reduce the cost. This review paper highlights the application of PCM and nano-fluids for the effective cooling of the PV panel.

Vr. Subramanian

Papers

Performance improvement of PVT module with applications of nano-fluids and phase change materials: A review