Performance analysis of a novel hybrid electrical generation system using photovoltaic/thermal and thermally regenerative electrochemical cycle. (1st October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tang, Xin; Li, Guiqiang; Zhao, Xudong
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 232(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-01
• Subjects: Photovoltaic -- PV/T -- Thermally regenerative electrochemical cycle -- Electrical efficiency; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.120998
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: A combination of photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) and thermally regenerative electrochemical cycle (TREC) is an effective and promising method to improve the electricity generation efficiency of solar energy by converting the low-grade heat from the hot water of PV/T into electricity. The concept and mathematic model of the hybrid PV/T-TREC system are constructed based on the working principle and characteristics of PV/T and TREC. A parametric analysis (ambient temperature, solar radiation, water mass flow rate, water inlet temperature) and a comparative study of PV, PV/T, PV/T-TREC systems are conducted to demonstrate the performance of the novel system. The results show that the performance of the hybrid PV/T-TREC system is better than PV and PV/T modules in the majority of working conditions. The electrical efficiency of the PV/T-TREC system is 0.92% and 0.35% higher than the single PV/T and PV modules on average as ambient temperature changes. The heat-to-electricity conversion efficiency of the PV/T-TREC system tends to decrease, increase, decrease, increase first and then decrease as factors of ambient temperature, solar radiation, water mass flow rate, water inlet temperature increase respectively. Highlights: A novel hybrid PV/T-TREC electrical generation system was proposed. Mathematic and CFD models of the PV/T-TREC were developed. Performance of the hybrid system with different factors was analyzed. Comparative study of PV, PV/T, PV/T-TREC systems was conducted.