Mathematical modelling of a finned bi-fluid type photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar collector

The results of integrating photovoltaic (PV) cells and solar thermal components are found attractive. This type of solar collector is known as a hybrid-PV system or photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar collector. In the development of a PV/T solar collector, mathematical model and simulation play important roles due to the design and environmental parameters dependency of the performance of the collector. In this study, two dimensional (2D) steady state thermal modelling of a finned bi-fluid type photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar collector is discussed. For the thermal model without the working fluids, the model is validated against the normal operating condition (NOCT) available from the manufacturer´s module datasheet. Meanwhile with the cooling element utilized, the model is validated against results from previous research. Using the validated model, the performance of the collector is simulated. When both fluids are to be operated simultaneously, at stagnant water and stagnant air, for radiation ranged from (500-800) W/m2, the average temperature of the PV cells is predicted to be approximately 20°C, 16°C and 14°C respectively lower in comparison to the system without cooling. The low average temperature of PV cells leads to the increase in cells efficiency. The overall energy efficiency of the collector is also predicted to be at almost 40 % higher owing to the additional thermal energy produced by the system over the same collector surface area. The PV/T solar collector discussed in this study has potential applications in various fields with the introduced fins will further enhance the heat transfer rate to the air flow. The 2D steady state analysis developed contributes to a more accurate prediction for the collector performance and optimization.