A Comprehensive Performance Characterization of a Nanofluid-Powered Dual-Fluid PV/T System under Outdoor Steady State Conditions

Abstract

This paper discusses the effectiveness of simultaneous use of CuO nanofluid and air as a dual-fluid coolant for the thermal management of a photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system. Outdoor experimental studies were performed to calculate the discrepancies between indoor and outdoor test findings. The thermal efficiency and the electrical characteristics of the dual-fluid PV/T system were investigated under steady-state test conditions following ISO standards. It was found that the divergence in electrical efficiency between indoor and outdoor-based PVT testing was significantly higher, while the difference in thermal efficiencies was marginal. It was observed that nanofluid/air, even at the lowest flow rates, outclassed the water/air coolant at higher flow rates in terms of PV/T energy output, which also ultimately helps in reducing the energy requirement for pumping. Unlike conventional solar air heaters, the proposed dual-fluid PV/T system produces a high air temperature when operated with only air at stagnant nanofluid. The maximum PV/T efficiency of approximately 85% was recorded when the nanofluid and air flows were kept at 0.02 kg/s and 0.04 kg/s, respectively. It is concluded that outdoor steady state testing provides comprehensive performance characterization of the nanofluid powered dual-fluid coolant for the PV/T system.