Performance evaluation of the photovoltaic thermal system with a fin array and surface zigzag layout

Abstract

Abstract Solar photovoltaic (PV) has many environmental benefits and it is considered to be a practical alternative to traditional energy generation. The electrical conversion efficiency of such systems is inherently limited due to the relatively high thermal resistance of the PV components. An approach for intensifying electrical and thermal production of air-type photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems via applying a combination of fins and surface zigzags was proposed in this paper. This research study aims to apply three performance enhancers: case B, including internal fins; case C, back surface zigzags; and case D, combinations of fins and surface zigzags; whereas the baseline smooth duct represents case A. A 2D, steady-state simulation model that took into account the impact of the convective flow of air circulating inside the PVT system in addition to radiative and convective heat losses from the front PV surface was developed and validated via previous tests. The results revealed that, under the same volume requirements, the application of surface zigzags is preferred for airflow rates of 0.06 kg/s or less, whereas the introduction of fins is preferred for higher airflow rates. The results also revealed that, of the three cases considered, the introduction of the fin–surface zigzag combination is the most effective and has the potential to improve the electrical and thermal efficiency by ~26% and 3%, respectively.