Energy Analysis of Hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal-Thermoelectric (PVT-TE) Air Collector System

In this study, a new theoretical approach (new mathematical model) encompasses the heat transfer and energy balance is proposed to determine the performance of the photovoltaic thermal (PVT)-thermoelectric (TE) air collector (PVT-TE) hybrid system. The hybrid system consists of PV panel and TE modules that can improve the energy efficiency of the system. Theoretical and experimental studies were studied using energy analysis to predict the output temperature (T_o) and PV temperature (T_p). T_o evaluate system performance, a theoretical model is developed using the energy balance analysis of this hybrid system. The matrix inverse method is used to complete the theoretical model. Effect of mass flow rate and radiation intensity is also being investigated. Experimental studies were carried out at the air flow rate of 0.02 kg/s, 0.04 kg/s and 0.07 kg/s, and radiation intensities are in the range of 342-922 W/m^2. The results of the experimental and theoretical studies show that the percentage of errors between the theory and the experimental value of T_o and T_p are 1.14% and 1.75% respectively.