Modelling and analysis of photovoltaic/thermal collectors - influence of PV cell location and area

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Ana João (Author) FEUP; Armando C. Oliveira (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: International Journal of Ambient Energy

Vol. 36

Pages: 76-86

ISSN: 0143-0750

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 2 Citations

INSPEC

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-NKM

DOI: 10.1080/01430750.2013.823109

Abstract (EN): This work focuses on the performance analysis of a photovoltaic (PV)-thermal collector, regarding parameters like number and location of PV cells, inlet fluid temperature, irradiation level and ambient temperature. This is accomplished through the numerical solving of a developed 2D mathematical model of the collector. A hybrid flat plate and tube collector is considered for the study, using water as thermal fluid. The results are a contribution to a better design of hybrid solar collectors, namely when the PV cell area is smaller than total collector area, which is the case in many practical applications. Specific conclusions point to a linear decrease in global efficiency with the increase in PV cell area and to a small change in global efficiency with the location of cells (either at the inlet or outlet collector zones).

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11