Work

Enhancing Air-Based PVT Performance: A numerical and experimental assessment of V-Baffle designs

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Cooling of Photovoltaic (PV) cells plays a critical role in contributing to their performance and extending their lifespan. Heat transfer enhancement techniques using thermal inserts, such as baffles, have been investigated widely within Solar Air Heater research. However, these strategies have not yet been applied to Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) technology for such cooling purposes, despite their potential benefits. In this study, the performance of an Air-Based PVT with developed baffles is evaluated. A prototype was experimentally tested to validate a Computational Fluid Dynamics model. To investigate the potential heat transfer enhancement, the performance with added V-Baffle designs was simulated. Based on the results of the analysis, a new baffle design was developed, that of smooth V-baffles. The new design exhibited a higher Thermal Enhancement Factor than that of the straight edge equivalents. Additionally, it was indicated that the use of baffles can be beneficial for PVT systems, by increasing heat transfer to the airflow with reduced friction penalty and by minimizing the formation of hot zones along the PV surface.

Source: Applied Thermal Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.125175

Authors: Giorgos Aspetakis, Cong Wang, Qian Wang

Institutions: KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Uponor (Sweden)

Language: English

Topic: Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,790