Effect of Winter Operating Conditions on the Performance of a PV/Trombe Wall: An Experimental Evaluation

Abstract

         Trombe photovoltaic wall is well known for its ability to supply the building with thermal and electrical energy at the same time. The increase in the temperature of the solar panels leads to a decrease in electrical efficiency. The use of  DC fans and water as a medium for cooling the panels improved thermal and electrical efficiency and enhanced the comfort conditions inside the building. The results showed that the Trombe wall with DC fans could reduce the demand for the rudder by Increasing the heat inside the building, as it reached the highest thermal efficiency at 37.5%. As for the system equipped with a heat exchanger recorded the highest electrical efficiency of 14%. Finally, the results showed that the use of DC fans improves the overall efficiency of the photovoltaic Trombe wall system.