Sizing Methodology of a Multi-Mirror Solar Concentrated Hybrid PV/Thermal System

Abstract

The use of a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) system significantly reduces the required solar cell area that often accounts for the major cost of a PV solar system. A comprehensive performance analysis of a multi-mirror solar concentrated hybrid PV thermal (CPVT) system was conducted. Among different concentrating systems, Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR) systems are more effective due to their simplicity of operation and low fabrication cost. A mathematical model and the simulation of a CPVT system employing a linear configuration and horizontal absorber is developed here in order to evaluate its performance parameters, using a FORTRAN programing technique. The concentrator system consists of, different width of flat glass mirrors placed under various inclination angles, focusing sunlight on to the PV solar cells mounted along the active cooling system. The effect of focus distance on concentration ratio, collector width, and heat gained by the coolant fluid are investigated. All parameters of the linear Fresnel reflector solar concentrator system are determined and the effect of cooling mass flow rate and cooling inlet temperature upon the system performance is evaluated. With regards to simulation results obtained via the focus distances, the width of mirrors decreased by increasing the number of mirrors, and in turn by increasing the focus distances, this resulted in an increase in CR values. For the specific number of mirrors, concentration ratio increased simultaneously increasing the focus distance; furthermore, increasing the number of mirrors resulted in a reduction in both the width of the mirrors and their inclination angles, and an increase in CR values. The results further confirmed that the total (combined electrical-thermal) efficiency is higher than that of the individual electrical as well as thermal efficiency; reaching approximately 80% and showed no sensitivity to the rises in cooling water temperature for temperature cases under consideration.