Thermal modelling and experimental evaluation of a novel concentrating photovoltaic thermal collector (CPVT) with parabolic concentrator. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Afzali Gorouh, Hossein; Salmanzadeh, Mazyar; Nasseriyan, Pouriya; Hayati, Abolfazl; Cabral, Diogo; Gomes, João; Karlsson, Björn
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 181(2022)
• Page Start: 535
• Page End: 553
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Photovoltaic-thermal collector -- Parabolic concentrator -- Thermal modelling -- Primary energy; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.09.042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: In the present study, a zero-dimensional thermal model has been developed to analyze a novel low concentration photovoltaic-thermal (CPVT) collector. The model has been developed by driving heat transfer and energy balance equations for each part of the collector and then solving all the equations simultaneously. Moreover, a Monte-Carlo ray-tracing software has been used for optical stimulations of the parabolic trough solar collector. The novel CPVT collector has been experimentally tested at Gävle University (Sweden) and the model has been validated against the experimental results. The primary energy saving equivalent to the thermal-electrical power cogeneration of the CPVT collector has been determined. The effect of glass cover removal, heat transfer fluid (HTF) inlet temperature and mass flow rate on the collector performance has been investigated. The optimum HTF mass flow rates of the collector for maximum electrical yield and overall primary energy saving were determined under specified operating conditions by considering the pump consumption. The effect of mean fluid temperature on the thermal and electrical efficiencies has been studied and the characteristic equation of the thermal efficiency has been obtained. The thermal and electrical peak efficiencies of the collector have been found to be 69.6% and 6.1%, respectively. Highlights: A novel CPVT collector is investigated experimentally and analytically. 0-D thermal model is developed to evaluate the CPVT collector performance. The primary energy saving of the hybrid cogeneration of the CPVT collector is presented. The optimum HTF mass flow rates for net electricity yield and primary energy saving were found. The characteristic equation of the CPVT collector thermal efficiency is determined.