Performance Evaluation of a New Type of Combined Photovoltaic–Thermal Solar Collector

Abstract

A thermal analysis of a new photovoltaic–thermal (PV–T) solar panel design, called thermal electric solar panel integration (TESPI), has been performed using radtherm thermoanalitics software. Combinations of different water flow rates and different panel configurations have been analyzed to determine which one produces best performance in terms of optimal PV efficiency and available thermal energy. Higher total panel efficiencies (thermal and electrical) were achieved in configurations utilizing the highest water flow rates, independently from the chosen configuration. However, high water flow rates translated into minimal net temperature differences between the PV/T panel inlet and outlet.