Development and validation of a comprehensive dynamic mathematical model for hybrid PV/T solar collectors. (25th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simonetti, Riccardo; Molinaroli, Luca; Manzolini, Giampaolo
• Is Part Of: Applied thermal engineering. Volume 133(2018)
• Page Start: 543
• Page End: 554
• Publication Date: 2018-03-25
• Subjects: Modelling -- PV/T collector -- Simulation -- Testing; Heat engineering -- Periodicals; Heating -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 621.40205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2018.01.093
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-4311

Abstract

Highlights: A comprehensive dynamic model for hybrid PV/T solar tiles. Power production and water outlet temperature are computed. Model is validated over data collected during a dedicated experimental campaign. Instantaneous data agree within ±4 W and within ±0.5 K. Daily basis electrical energy agrees within ±3%, thermal energy within −5% to +8%. Abstract: In this paper, a model for the simulation of a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal collector under transient regime is developed and validated. The model is built using a control volume approach, the collector is divided into small elemental volumes where energy equation is solved using a bi-dimensional finite difference method. The model is validated against experimental data obtained from a two weeks testing in real environmental weather conditions on two hybrid PV/T solar tiles connected in series. An agreement between the experimental and numerical values of the instantaneous power production and the water outlet temperature within ±4 W and within ±0.5 K respectively is found. On a daily basis, the calculated electrical and thermal energies agree within −2.64% to +1.73% and within −4.90% to +7.37% with experimental data, allowing to state that the developed model is quite a reliable tool both for short-term and long-term yield analysis at component or system level.