Detailed analysis of the energy yield of systems with covered sheet-and-tube PVT collectors

Solar cells have a typical efficiency in the range of 5-20%, implying that 80% or more of the incident solar energy can be harvested in the form of heat and applied for low-temperature heating. In a PVT collector one tries to collect this heat. In this work, the electrical and thermal yield of solar domestic hot water systems with one-cover sheet-and-tube PVT collectors were considered. Objectives of the work were to understand the mechanisms determining these yields, to investigate measures to improve these yields and to investigate the yield consequences if various solar cell technologies are being used. The work was carried out using numerical simulations.A detailed quantitative understanding of all loss mechanisms was obtained, especially of those being inherent to the use of PVT collectors instead of PV modules and conventional thermal collectors. The annual electrical efficiencies of the PVT systems investigated were up to 14% (relative) lower compared to pure PV systems and the annual thermal efficiencies up to 19% (relative) lower compared to pure thermal collector systems. The loss of electrical efficiency is mainly caused by the relatively high fluid temperature. The loss of thermal efficiency is caused both by the high emissivity of the absorber and the withdrawal of electrical energy. However, both the loss of electrical and thermal efficiency can be reduced further by the application of anti-reflective coatings. The thermal efficiency can be improved by the application of a low-emissivity coating on the absorber, however at the cost of a reduced electrical efficiency.     

Experimental investigation on the thermal efficiency and performance characteristics of a flat plate solar collector using SiO2/EG–water nanofluids

Application of nanofluids in thermal energy devices such as solar collectors is developing day by day. This paper reports the results of experiments on a flat plate solar collector where the working fluid is SiO₂/ethylene glycol (EG)–water nanofluid with volume fractions up to 1%. The thermal efficiency and performance characteristics of solar collector are obtained for mass flow rates between 0.018 and 0.045 kg/s. The curve characteristics of solar collector indicate that the effects of particle loading on the thermal efficiency enhancement are more pronounced at higher values of heat loss parameter. The results of this work elucidate the potential of SiO₂ nanoparticles to improve the efficiency of solar collectors despite its low thermal conductivity compared to other usual nanoparticles.     

无盖板渗透型集热器热性能的对比试验

利用太阳能空气加热系统实验台,对黑、深绿和深蓝3种颜色无盖板渗透型集热器的热性能进行了户外瞬态对比试验。试验结果表明:太阳辐射照度和风量是影响系统热性能的重要因素。在高档和低档两种风量下,黑色集热器的瞬时平均热效率分别为76.04%和67.50%,高于普通平板太阳能空气集热器;集热器表面颜色对其热性能有一定影响,在高档和低档两种风量下,深绿色和深蓝色集热器的瞬时平均热效率比黑色集热器低15%～22%,空气温升低3～4℃,但仍然优于普通平板空气集热器。从保持建筑立面美观考虑,无盖板渗透型集热器的集热板可以采用颜色较深的彩色,不会对系统热性能造成较大影响。     

Exergetic optimization of flat plate solar collectors

In this paper, an exergetic optimization of flat plate solar collectors is developed to determine the optimal performance and design parameters of these solar to thermal energy conversion systems. A detailed energy and exergy analysis is carried out for evaluating the thermal and optical performance, exergy flows and losses as well as exergetic efficiency for a typical flat plate solar collector under given operating conditions. In this analysis, the following geometric and operating parameters are considered as variables: the absorber plate area, dimensions of solar collector, pipes' diameter, mass flow rate, fluid inlet, outlet temperature, the overall loss coefficient, etc. A simulation program is developed for the thermal and exergetic calculations. The results of this computational program are in good agreement with the experimental measurements noted in the previous literature. Finally, the exergetic optimization has been carried out under given design and operating conditions and the optimum values of the mass flow rate, the absorber plate area and the maximum exergy efficiency have been found. Thus, more accurate results and beneficial applications of the exergy method in the design of solar collectors have been obtained.     

Improvement of PV module optical properties for PV-thermal hybrid collector application

Photovoltaic-thermal collectors (or PV-T collector) are hybrid collectors where PV modules are integrated as an absorber of a thermal collector in order to convert solar energy into electricity and usable heat at the same time. In most of the cases, the hybrid collectors are made by the superposition of a PV module on the thermal absorber of a solar collector. In this paper, the approach is different and is to analyze thermal and optical properties related to both PV and solar thermal functions in order to identify an optimum combination leading to a maximum overall efficiency. Indeed, although these two functions do not exploit the same range of radiation wavelengths, thermal and PV functions are not so complementary due to photo-conversion thermal dependency. In this context, an alternative PV cell lamination has been developed with increased optical and thermal performance. The improvements were evaluated around 2 mA/cm² in terms of current density in comparison to a standard module encapsulation. Based on this technique, a real size PV-T module has been built and tested at Fraunhofer solar test facilities. The results show a global efficiency of the PV-T collector above 87% (79% thermal efficiency plus 8.7% electrical efficiency, based on the absorber area).     

Field study of various air based photovoltaic/thermal hybrid solar collectors

In the present work a comparative study for thermal and electrical performance of different hybrid photovoltaic/thermal collectors designs for Iraq climate conditions have been carried out. Four different types of air based hybrid PV/T collectors have been manufactured and tested. Three collectors consist of four main parts namely, channel duct, glass cover, axial fan to circulate air and two PV panels in parallel connection. The measured parameters are, the temperature of the upper and the lower surfaces of the PV panels, air temperature along the collector, air flow rate, pressure drop, power produced by solar cell, and climate conditions such as wind speed, solar radiation and ambient temperature. The thermal and hydraulic performances of PV/T collector model IV have been analyzed theoretically based on energy balance. A Matlab computer program has been developed to solve the proposed mathematical model.The obtained results show that the combined efficiency of collector model III (double duct, single pass) is higher than that of model II (single duct double pass) and model IV (single duct single pass). Model IV has the better electrical efficiency. The pressure drop of model III is lower than that of models II and IV. The root mean square of percentage deviations for PV outlet temperature, and thermal efficiency of model IV are found to be 3.22%, and 18.04% respectively. The calculated linear coefficients of correlation (r) are 0.977, 0.965 respectively.     

Experimental investigation of a copper sheet-laminated solar photovoltaic thermal water collector

Different concepts and designs of photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) collectors were developed for the past few decades to improve the electrical and thermal efficiencies. Several of those designs have become successful and are being commercialized along with other solar collectors. This paper discusses the experimental studies on a novel PV/T water-based collector constructed by laminating the PV cells on a copper thermal absorber. This modification reduced the thermal resistance by 9.93 %, thereby enabling better heat transfer from the PV cells to the heat transfer fluid. Water was passed through a single water channel connected to an open reservoir. Experiments were conducted with and without glazing, with two different water mass flow rates and stagnant conditions, and with load and no-load conditions and thermal stress test. Results show that an overall efficiency of 87.52 % was achieved in the presence of glazing at a mass flow rate of 0.1 kg/s. Few conformance tests according to IEC standards are also presented to check the electrical insulation and structural integrity of the PV/T collector.     

Theoretical variations of the thermal performance of different solar collectors and solar combi systems as function of the varying yearly weather conditions in Denmark

The thermal performances of solar collectors and solar combi systems with different solar fractions are studied under the influence of the Danish design reference year, DRY data file, and measured weather data from a solar radiation measurement station situated at the Technical University of Denmark in Kgs. Lyngby. The data from DRY data file are used for any location in Denmark. The thermal performances of the solar heating systems are calculated by means of validated computer models. The measured yearly solar radiation varies by approximately 23% in the period from 1990 until 2002, and the investigations show that it is not possible to predict the yearly solar radiation on a tilted surface based on the yearly global radiation.The annual thermal performance of solar combi systems cannot with reasonable approximation be fitted to a linear function of the annual total radiation on the solar collector or the annual global radiation. Solar combi systems with high efficient solar collectors are more influenced by weather variations from one year to another than systems with low efficient solar collectors.The annual thermal performance of solar collectors cannot be predicted from the global radiation, but both the annual thermal performance and the annual utilized solar energy can with a reasonable approximation be fitted to a linear function of the yearly solar radiation on the collector for both flat plate and evacuated tubular solar collectors. Also evacuated tubular solar collectors utilize less sunny years with large parts of diffuse radiation relatively better than flat plate collectors.     

Flat-plate solar-collector performance evaluation with a solar simulator as a basis for collector selection and performance prediction

The use of a solar simulator for performance determination permits collector testing under standard conditions of wind, ambient temperature, flow rate and “Sun”. The performance results determined with the simulator have been found to be in good agreement with outdoor performance results.This paper reports the measured thermal efficiency and evaluation of 23 collectors which differ according to absorber material (copper, aluminum, steel), absorber coating (nonselective black paint, selective copper oxide, selective black nickel, selective black chrome), type of glazing material (glass, Tedlar, Lexan, anti-reflection glass), the use of honeycomb material and the use of vacuum to reduce thermal convection losses. The collectors are given performance rankings based on noon-hour solar conditions and all-day solar conditions. The determination with the simulator of an all-day collector performance is made possible by tests at different incident angles. The solar performance rankings are made based on whether the collector is to be used for pool heating, hot water, absorption air conditioning, heating, or for a solar Rankine machine.Another test which aids in selecting collectors is a collector heat capacity test. This test permits a ranking of collectors according to their heat capacity (and time constant), which is a measure of the rapidity of a collector's response to transient solar conditions. Results are presented for such tests.Final considerations for collector selection would of course be made on the basis of cost and the reliability of performance over the required life of a collector. Results of a cost-effectiveness study is given for conditions corresponding to those required for absorption or heating. These results indicate that the additional cost involved in the upgrading of collector performance (selective surfaces, anti-reflection glass, etc.) appears to be cost effective and therefore justified. Some data are also presented to illustrate a method for the determination of outdoor performance degradation by use of simulator tests carried out before and after a period of outdoor operation.     

Experimental performance of three solar collectors

Simultaneous testing of solar collectors is important for the determination of accurate comparative performance data. Three flat-plate solar collectors were tested for over six months: a water trickle collector, a typical collector with double glazing, and a thermal trap collector. The first two collector types have been previously tested by other investigators, but the development of the thermal trap collector is unique to New Mexico State University, where in 1964 work was initiated on this type of collector. The thermal trap collector employs a transparent solid (methyl methacrylate) adjacent to the fluid cooled collector plate. It is found that by the use of this transparent solid, which has a high transmittance of short wavelengths combined with a low transmittance of long wavelengths and a small thermal conductivity, high temperatures can be achieved.

The comparative collector tests were performed for a variety of operational conditions. The collector efficiencies were experimentally determined, and analysis of the collector losses was accomplished. The thermal trap collector was found to have a higher operational efficiency than the other collector types and is capable of collecting solar energy for a longer period of time each day. At operating temperatures above 145°F, the thermal trap collector is more than twice as efficient as the water trickle collector.     

Effect of hybrid nanofluids mixture ratio on the performance of a photovoltaic thermal collector

Solar photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) collectors, are hybrid collectors used to convert solar radiation into usable thermal and electrical energy. Recently, the field of research on PV/T is has focused on improving the efficiency of the PV/T collector by replacing the conventional heat transfer fluids (HTFs) with nanofluids. This article investigates the effect of hybrid nanofluids mixture ratio on the useful energy and overall efficiency of a PV/T collector operating with Al₂O₃-ZnO water nanofluid as the HTF. Experiments to measure the thermophysical properties of the hybrid nanofluids were conducted for various temperatures, volume concentrations, and mixture ratios, furthermore, accurate correlation models were proposed. Metrological data and energy output readings collected from the PV solar farm at Cyprus International University were used to validate our model. The study observed that at the optimum mixture ratio (0.47 of Al₂O₃ in the hybrid), the electrical, thermal, and exergy efficiencies of the PV/T collector are 13.8%, 55.9%, and 15.13% respectively. Also, the cell temperature drops by 21% when the mass flow rate is 0.1 kg/s as compared to when it is 0.01 kg/s. Finally, the study concludes that by using the Al₂O₃-ZnO hybrid nanofluid an overall peak thermal efficiency of 91% can be attained, and this represents a 34% enhancement in the collector's performance when compared to water.     

Design concept and mathematical model of a bi-fluid photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar collector

This paper presents an improved design of a photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar collector integrating a PV panel with a serpentine-shaped copper tube as the water heating component and a single pass air channel as the air heating component. In addition to the electricity generated, this type of collector enables the production of both hot air and water, increasing the total efficiency per unit area compared to the conventional PV/T solar collector. The use of both fluids (bi-fluid) also creates a greater range of thermal applications and offers options in which hot and/or cold air and/or water can be utilized depending on the energy needs and applications. In this paper, the design concept of the bi-fluid PV/T solar collector is emphasized with 2D steady state energy balance equations for the bi-fluid configuration are developed, validated and used to predict the performance of the bi-fluid solar collector for a range of mass flow rates of air and water. The performance of the collector is then compared when the fluids are operated independently and simultaneously. The simulations indicate that when both fluids are operated independently the overall thermal and electrical performance of the solar collector is considered as satisfactory and when operated simultaneously the overall performance is higher. The bi-fluid PV/T solar collector discussed in this paper will add insights to the new knowledge of optimizing the utilization of solar energy by a PV/T solar collector and has potential applications in various fields.     

The experimental study of energy features for solar air heaters with different turbulator configurations

To assess the thermal performance in the climate conditions of western and central Iraq, the advantages of using a solar air collector with various turbulator absorber plates are experimentally explored. Four distinct kinds of absorber plates are provided flat plate (F), triangular (T), rectangular (R), and circular (C) turbulators at different air mass flow rates. The collector's economic properties and overall thermal performance are compared to the conventional flat plate turbulator heating systems. The main findings suggest that delta turbulators improve collector economics and overall thermal performance by generating vortex and dampening the formation of the thermal boundary layer in the direction of airflow. Furthermore, when the mass flow rate increases, the thermal performance improves, and the efficiency increases for all mass flow rates, resulting in good thermal performance for the rectangular plate collector when compared to other collectors. When compared to other types of configurations, the daily average efficiency of solar air collectors for flat plate (F), triangular (T), rectangular (R), and circular (C) turbulators are 28%, 67%, 39%, and 48%, respectively, at 50° tilt angle while at 90° tilt angle they are 44%, 76%, 54%, and 63%, respectively, as ṁ = 0.0377 kg/s. The maximum daily average efficiency fitted with rectangular turbulators have about 86% at the largest ṁ = 0.1 kg/s. This study will also give a unique direction to the work trend in the western and central parts of Iraq throughout the winter months.     

Mathematical modeling and thermal performance analysis of unglazed transpired solar collectors

Unglazed transpired collectors or UTC (also known as perforated collectors) are a relatively new development in solar collector technology, introduced in the early nineties for ventilation air heating. These collectors are used in several large buildings in Canada, USA and Europe, effecting considerable savings in energy and heating costs. Transpired collectors are a potential replacement for glazed flat plate collectors. This paper presents the details of a mathematical model for UTC using heat transfer expressions for the collector components, and empirical relations for estimating the various heat transfer coefficients. It predicts the thermal performance of unglazed transpired solar collectors over a wide range of design and operating conditions. Results of the model were analysed to predict the effects of key parameters on the performance of a UTC for a delivery air temperature of 45–55 °C for drying applications. The parametric studies were carried out by varying the porosity, airflow rate, solar radiation, and solar absorptivity/thermal emissivity, and finding their influence on collector efficiency, heat exchange effectiveness, air temperature rise and useful heat delivered. Results indicate promising thermal performance of UTC in this temperature band, offering itself as an attractive alternate to glazed solar collectors for drying of food products.The results of the model have been used to develop nomograms, which can be a valuable tool for a collector designer in optimising the design and thermal performance of UTC. It also enables the prediction of the absolute thermal performance of a UTC under a given set of conditions.     

Solar collectors with colored absorbers

The integration of solar collectors in buildings should be compatible with the architectural design, and solar collectors with colored absorbers would be aesthetically preferable. In our laboratory we constructed and tested flat plate solar collectors with colored absorbers for water heating applications. The study includes collectors in their typical form with the protective glazing, and also collectors without glazing. Unglazed solar collectors are not widely used, although they are cost effective solar devices, suitable for low temperature thermal applications. We tested outdoors the constructed models, glazed and unglazed, with black, blue and red brown absorbers. In order to overcome the high thermal losses of the unglazed collectors and the low optical efficiency of the colored absorbers, we used flat booster reflectors. The additional solar radiation input from the reflectors increases the thermal energy output of the collectors, improving their performance. Theoretical steady state efficiency curves are also given for collectors with or without glazing. The presented experimental and theoretical results determine the range of the effective operation of the proposed solar collector types, which can be used in a variety of applications, instead of glazed or unglazed solar collectors with a black absorber.     

无盖板渗透型太阳能空气集热器热性能的实验研究

无盖板渗透型太阳能空气集热器是一种易于实现建筑一体化的高效新风预热及干燥装置。为了掌握无盖板渗透型集热器在实际工况下的热性能,建造了集热面积为2.2 m2的太阳能空气加热系统实验台,并在2009年2月至2009年4月对其热性能进行了户外瞬态实验研究。实验结果表明出口空气温度随辐射强度的增加而升高,太阳辐射强度是影响集热器出口空气温度的最重要因素,而室外空气温度的影响极小。空气温升随风量的增加而减小,集热器热效率随风量的增加而增大。在三个测试日中集热器的平均热效率分别为58%、63%和72%,高于普通平板太阳能空气集热器。     

Performance evaluation of v-trough solar concentrator for water desalination applications

The working principle and thermal performance of a new v-trough solar concentrator are presented in this paper. Compared with the common parabolic trough solar concentrators, the new concentrator has two parabolic troughs which form a V-shape with the focal line at the bottom of the troughs. This is beneficial for the installation and insulation of the receiver, and the shadow on the reflective surface is avoided. The new v-trough collector does not require high precision tracking devices and reflective material. And therefore the cost of the system could be significantly reduced. Various experimental tests were carried out both outdoor and indoor using different types of receiver tubes. The results show that the collector system can have thermal efficiency up to 38% at 100 °C operating temperature. System modelling was used to predict the rate of fresh water produced by four different solar collector systems which include both static and one-axis solar tracking technologies. Comparison of the solar collectors at different temperature ranges for humidification/dehumidification desalination process using specific air flow rate were considered. At each temperature range, suitable solar collectors were compared in the aspect of fresh water production and area of solar collector required. Results showed that the new v-trough solar collector is the most promising technology for small to medium scale solar powered water desalination.     

Hybrid photovoltaic and thermal solar-collector designed for natural circulation of water

The electricity conversion-efficiency of a solar cell for commercial application is about 6–15%. More than 85% of the incoming solar energy is either reflected or absorbed as heat energy. Consequently, the working temperature of the solar cells increases considerably after prolonged operations and the cell’s efficiency drops significantly. The hybrid photovoltaic and thermal (PVT) collector technology using water as the coolant has been seen as a solution for improving the energy performance. Through good thermal-contact between the thermal absorber and the PV module, both the electrical efficiency and the thermal efficiency can be raised. Fin performance of the heat exchanger is one crucial factor in achieving a high overall energy yield. In this paper, the design developments of the PVT collectors are briefly reviewed. Our observation is that very few studies have been done on the PVT system adopting a flat-box absorber design. Accordingly, an aluminum-alloy flat-box type hybrid solar collector functioned as a thermosyphon system was constructed. While the system efficiencies did vary with the operating conditions, the test results indicated that the daily thermal efficiency could reach around 40% when the initial water-temperature in the system is the same as the daily mean ambient temperature.     

Performance optimization of a photovoltaic/thermal collector using microencapsulated phase change slurry

In a photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collector, a portion of absorbed solar energy is transformed into electrical energy, and the remaining part is transformed into thermal energy. Increasing waste heat collection and energy conversion rates are important to improve the performance of the PV/T collector. The utilization of microencapsulated phase change slurry (MPCS) in a PV/T collector to cool photovoltaic modules is an effective way, and electrical and thermal performances of the collector are improved. To investigate influences of operating parameters on performances of PV/T collector, numerical simulation is put into effect to analyze influences of the mass fraction of MPCS on the collector performance. The influences of MPCS mass flow rate and collector channel height on collector performances are also studied. When the flow rate is 0.005 kg/s and the channel height is 0.010 m, the PV/T collector obtains the best net efficiency with a MPCS mass concentration of 20 wt%. But electrical efficiency difference between 15 and 20 wt% is not obvious. With the growth in mass fraction, PV temperature drops more and more slowly because outlet fluid has not fully melt. Take PV/T collector performances into consideration, 15 wt% MPCS is a better choice to cool photovoltaic modules.     

Photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar system for residential applications

Electrical and thermal energy have wide applications for the future of mankind. A solar photovoltaic thermal system is a hybrid system, which can produce both thermal and electrical energy. Chennai has an appropriate climate and is highly suitable for using photovoltaic thermal hybrid systems. This article presents the mathematical analyses of the thermal, electrical, and exergetic performance of a photovoltaic thermal system augmented by a flat plate collector for a typical domestic application. The system is found to have 11% average electrical efficiency, 15% overall exergy efficiency, and 56% overall energy efficiency.