Showing papers on "Photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector published in 2023"

Photovoltaic-thermal solar-assisted heat pump systems for building applications: Integration and design methods

Abstract: • PVT-SAHP is a suitable solution to meet nZEB standards in the residential sector. • PVT-SAHP may cover a high fraction of building thermal needs, exploiting RES. • Multi-source configurations have high performances, robustness and flexibility. • Advancement in technology and manufacturing led to a new generation of PVT collectors. The photovoltaic-thermal collector is one of the most interesting technology for solar energy conversion, combining electric and thermal energy production in a single device. Vapour-compression heat pump is already considered the most suitable clean technology for buildings thermal energy needs. The combination of these two technologies in an integrated ”photovoltaic-thermal solar-assisted heat pump” (PVT-SAHP) system allows reaching a high fraction of the building thermal needs covered by renewable energy sources and to improve the performances of both the photovoltaic-thermal collector and the heat pump. The first is cooled down increasing its energy conversion efficiency, while providing low-temperature thermal energy to the second, which benefits from a higher evaporation temperature. The review study presents the state-of-art of photovoltaic-thermal solar-assisted heat pump systems intended to cover thermal energy needs in buildings, with a particular focus on the integration methodologies, the possible configurations, the use of different sources and the design of sub-system components. These issues are addressed by much scientific research, to improve the reliability and applicability of this technology, as an option for the building decarbonization. This study aims to present PVT-SAHP systems in an organic and critical way to propose a useful tool for future research developments. More in detail, the work highlights the fact that the integration of photovoltaic-thermal collectors as evaporator of the heat pump in direct-expansion systems allows the highest heat recovery and performances. However, the distinction of the two circuits lead to more reliable, flexible and robust systems, especially when combined with a second heat source, being able to cover both heating and cooling needs. The implementation of real-time control strategy, as well as the continuous development of the compressor and refrigerant industries is positively influencing this technology, which is receiving more and more attention from scientific research as a suitable solution for nearly zero energy buildings.

Improvement of mechanical energy using thermal efficiency of hybrid nanofluid on solar aircraft wings: an application of renewable, sustainable energy

Abstract: The modern world uses sun-based thermal radiation and nanotechnology to promote new technologies. In addition to solar thermal aircraft, photovoltaic cells, and sun-based hybrid nanofluids, solar energy is the primary source of heat derived from the absorption of sunlight. Researchers are currently investigating the application of nanotechnology to sun-based thermal radiation with the intent of enhancing the efficiency of aircraft flight. This study is focused on the research of heat transport via employing hybrid nanofluid on the interior of solar wings using a parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC) to enrich the investigations of the solar aircraft wing. In addition, the thermodynamics of entropy production for steady tangent hyperbolic fluid is examined for its energy balance and usefulness for significant physical influenced parameters. This study examines the viscoelastic properties of the thermal transfer process of two distinct kinds of nano solid particles, zirconium dioxide and copper (Cu), with non-Newtonian EG (ethylene glycol) as the base fluid. To achieve the model's aims, a novel solution, namely wavelets and the Chebyshev wavelets method (CWM), was employed to solve the velocity, energy equation, and entropy generation. .

Recent Trends in Applications of Nanofluids for Effective Utilization of Solar Energy

Abstract: : Renewable-energy sources have been explored recently by scientists to fulfill the global energy demand. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), by 2040, wind and solar power will be the star performers for energy conservation. The annual potential energy received from the sun ranges from 1,575 to 49,800 exajoules (EJ). However, this energy is not being utilized to its potential. Recently, researchers have proven that nanofluids can be used as a working fluid replacing the conventional working fluid for solar collectors and other heat exchange operations. The selection of the nanofluid is not only based on the size and shape of nanoparticles but the pH value and stability of nanofluids are also important parameters. : This review paper is mainly focused on the recent trends in nanofluids applications for the capture, conservation, and utilization of solar energy. The present paper reviews the detailed analysis of various forces affecting the nanofluid system and also highlights the important aspects to reduce the frictional energy losses, exergy destruction, entropy generation, effect of the flow properties, and thermo-physical properties of the nanofluids, and other reasons for wastage of the exergy. This study also compares the performance of the direct absorption solar panel, flat plate solar panel, parabolic solar collector, photovoltaic thermal solar collector, linear Fresnel solar collector, solar dish, and evacuated type solar collector. : Among these solar collectors, direct absorption solar collectors, flat plate solar collectors, photovoltaic solar collectors, and evacuated type solar collectors are more commonly used solar collectors; thus, the exergy and energy analyses of these collectors are important for their design and application. Stability issues and agglomeration problems are still some major concerns involved in the application of nanofluids. However, the use of nanofluid increases the performance of the solar collector compared to the base fluid as a working fluid. This paper also highlights the recent trends in the application of nanofluids in solar collectors.

Efficiency Improvement of Eco-Friendly Solar Heat Supply System as a Building Coating

Abstract: The background of this article is the potential energy savings of solar heat supply systems due to the use of the renewable energy of solar radiation. The motivation is to create a solar collector design that would combine the functions of both a building cover and a solar collector. It is necessary to investigate and compare different types of solar collector coatings (traditional and modern) and pipe diameters. The purpose of the article is to solve aspects of energy efficiency for new eco-friendly solar collectors. The most effective result occurred with the solar collector covered with the rubber–graphite composition of Grafplast PDA, and when using Prandelli/Tuborama pipes with a diameter of 0.016 m. Their efficiency increased by 8% compared to the second version of the collector made using a more traditional solution. The influence of the distance between the pipes and the flow rate of the heat carrier on the efficiency of the solar collectors was evaluated.

A Comparative Investigation on Solar PVT- and PVT-PCM-Based Collector Constancy Performance

Abstract: Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has a lower adoption rate than expected because of different weather conditions (sunny, cloudy, windy, rainy, and stormy) and high material manufacturing costs. To overcome the barriers to adoption, many researchers are developing methods to increase its performance. A photovoltaic–thermal absorber hybrid system may shift its performance, but to become more efficient, the technology could improve with some strong thermal absorber materials. A phase change material (PCM) could be a suitable possibility to enhance the (electrical and thermal) PV performance. In this study, a solar PVT hybrid system is developed with a PCM and analyzed for comparative performance based on Malaysian weather conditions. The result shows PV performance (both electrical and thermal) was increased by utilizing PCMs. Electrical and thermal efficiency measurements for different collector configurations are compared, and PV performance and temperature readings are presented and discussed. The maximum electrical and thermal efficiency found for PVT and PVT-PCM are 14.57% and 15.32%, and 75.29% and 86.19%, respectively. However, the present work may provide extensive experimental methods for developing a PVT-PCM hybrid system to enhance electrical and thermal performance and use in different applications.

Passive Cooling Module to Improve the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Performance

Abstract: Solar energy is a renewable clean energy. Photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar panels use the sun light as the main source to produce electricity. However, the operating temperature has a significant impact on the PV conversion process and its performance. PV cell technology performance is sensitive to the operating temperature. Increasing cell temperature causes a significant reduction in the output voltage which in turn leads to reducing electrical efficiency. In other words, when the temperature rises, the output current rises exponentially which leads to output voltage to fall. Therefore, PV efficiency decreases. This paper aims to develop a new PV panel passive cooling system that enhances the efficiency of the panel and improves its performance. The design is based on air channels and air chimneys. Overall, cooled solar panels are efficient and cost-effective as their performance is better and their efficiency is higher than the non-cooled solar panels. Our project is designed to serve UAE’s 2021 vision (increased dependence on clean energy and green development), reduce pollution in the environment, and save energy for the next generations. The goal of this research is to lower the temperature of the PV panel., therefore, enhancing the efficiency as well as improving the performance by cooling the PV panel. So, It has the potential to alleviate the problem of overheating solar panels.

Analysis of the generation potential of hybrid solar power plants

Abstract: Photovoltaic solar energy has emerged in Brazil in distributed generation due to affordable costs and its application in different segments of the market. However, the electric energy storage in the photovoltaic systems is only viable for certain conditions in which the installation does not have access to the electricity network and the thermal portion of the solar energy is lost to the ambient. Heliothermic power plant represents another system available for solar electricity generation, which has higher costs, but takes better advantage of the portion of thermal energy and allows energy storage efficiently to meet the demands during periods without incident solar radiation. Heliothermic and photovoltaic generation have great potential in the Southeast and Northeast regions of Brazil, but the costs of both technologies cannot meet the demands during periods without solar radiation. This work presents a conceptual analysis of compound parabolic solar concentrators along with hybrid of photovoltaic and thermal collector systems to meet both the demand during sunlight hours and without solar radiation. The investigation consisted of implementing an organic Rankine cycle with different heliothermic plant configurations and the analysis of the diode model to examine different commercial photovoltaic cells operated in the Rankine cycle evaporation region. The results showed that the best working fluid for the application is R245fa with Urea-NaCl as molten salt for the thermal energy storage. The expected electrical power for the hydride cycle is 1580W at 2600 rpm and at 80°C of evaporation temperature, enabling a power generation for 1 hour and 20 min without solar radiation.

Design and Simulation of a Novel Solar Photovoltaic System Assisted Single‐Slope Solar Still Distillation Unit

Abstract: Water is an essential component of our lives. Conventional seawater desalination, based on fossil fuel energy, is primary in meeting freshwater demands. Thus, solar desalination still emerged as an alternative technology that employs environmentally friendly renewable energy. Here, we aim to design and simulate a novel hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) system coupled with a single-slope solar still unit for freshwater production. Various design techniques were utilized to fine-tune the model towards producing 3–4.6 kg/m2 · day of distillate water, thereby calculating the design aspects such as tank size, energy, and cost. The results revealed that a conventional solar desalination system had 22% lower efficiency than the proposed novel still distillation unit assisted with a solar PV system (connected to a heating element). The maximum efficiency of 45% has been recorded at the peak solar insolation due to the combination of the solar PV system. According to our design constraints, only a 3 m2 basin area was required to achieve a productivity of P st $$ {\boldsymbol{P}}_{\boldsymbol{st}} $$ = 1–5 kg/day. Design analysis showed that the total capital cost of a conventional still can be significantly reduced from 2600 to 1500 $/unit with PV system integration at the specified productivity and optimal solar radiation of ~17 MJ/m2 · day at peak time (02.00 PM). This work paves the way towards maximizing solar energy utilization from PV integration with solar desalination to achieve high freshwater productivity in single-basin solar still systems.

A comprehensive review of solar, thermal, photovoltaic, and thermoelectric hybrid systems for heating and power generation

Abstract: In this review, the most recent revelations in the possibilities of integrating various solar collectors with thermoelectric generators (TEGs) and their main promising results are presented. These combined structures produce the normal (thermal, electrical) energy generated by the solar panel with an additional electrical power resulting from the combination with TEG modules, implying a better exploitation of solar radiation. At the beginning, the basic principles of combined solar thermal and electrical conversion systems, including the photovoltaic (PV) panel combined with the thermal collector (Th) constituting the PV/Th design, are summarized. Second, a detailed discussion on the existence and material varieties of thermoelectric generators, recent industrial applications, and parameters affecting the efficiency of thermal-electric conversion are reported. Then, recent feasibility analyses, experimental applications, types, and performance now of photovoltaic-thermoelectric (PV/TE) are reviewed, while TEG convert heat and thermal energy. Subsequently, considered and discussed is contemporary research on the utilization of thermoelectric generators in various stationary and concentrating solar thermal collectors and processes. An extensive examination of the key technical, practical, and experimental aspects of tri-generation solar hybrid systems integration is also summarized. This paper is therefore a very helpful reference for future research in the discipline of solar (PV, Th, PV/Th)-TE and its applications.

Experimental Investigation of The Efficiency of Solar Panel Over Which Water Film Flows

Abstract: The most important energy source of the world is the sun. Solar energy can be converted to electricity by using photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. It is known that maximum electrical efficiency of PV solar panels is around 15%-20%. Therefore, it is clear that PV solar panels are not very efficient. This is due to some reasons. One of the most important of these reasons is the increase in the temperature of the PV solar panel. Therefore, PV solar panels should be cooled by means of any cooling methods. For this reason, in this study, the effect of temperature on electrical efficiency of PV solar panels has been investigated experimentally. For this purpose, an experimental setup, containing two PV solar panels with and without cooling, was installed. In this experimental setup, unlike the general literature a flowing water film, which is on the panel, obtains the cooling. It has been determined that power output of the cooled solar panel is greater than without cooling one. A 11.143 W electrical power has been gained from the PV panel due to cooling obtained by flowing water film. The average power increase by means of designed cooling system is about 9.51%. As a result, it was specified that the cooled solar panel was approximately 13.69% more efficient than the uncooled one. In this experimental study, uncertainty analysis was also performed. The uncertainty of the maximum power and electrical efficiency are ± 0.16130% and ± 1.28366%, respectively.

A Review of Different Types of Solar Cell Materials Employed in Bifacial Solar Photovoltaic Panel

Abstract: Conventionally accessible silicon solar cells experience two major drawbacks, such as reduced efficiency and increased fabrication costs. The prospects for the reduction in the cost of the photovoltaic form of energy conversion are bifacial solar cells. Bifacial solar cells show potential opportunity in reducing the cost of solar energy conversion when analyzed with respect to monofacial cells. The bifacial solar cells exploit sunlight occurrence on both sides of the cell more efficiently. Bifacial-based solar photovoltaic (PV) is a technology that increases the generation of electrical energy per square meter of PV module through the utilization of light absorption from the albedo. This technology can generally be categorized based on the type of solar cell material and the fabrication technique. PV devices are classified as a silicon-based, thin film, organic, and advanced nano PV. This paper takes a second look at some recent initiatives and significant issues in enhancing the efficiency of bifacial solar cells from material sciences and chemical composition aspects. From this review, it is concluded that screen-printed solar cells have produced a maximum efficiency of 22%. Additionally, triode structure single-crystalline cells produced a maximum front side efficiency of 21.3% and rear side efficiency of 19.8%. Considering the recycling of solar panels, organic solar panels can be developed.