Simulation of a photovoltaic panel with a novel cooling duct using ternary nanofluid and integrated with a thermoelectric generator

Abstract

Background

This study delves into the potential synergies arising from the combination of a TEG (thermoelectric generator) module with a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) unit, in conjunction with an electrolyzer. It proposes innovative wavy cooling duct designs and examines the use of ternary nanofluid (comprising water, TiO₂, MgO, and CuO nanoparticles) as the testing medium. Furthermore, it investigates the adverse effects of dust accumulation on system performance.

Methods

Various factors, including wind speed (V_w), inlet velocity (V_in), solar irradiation (G), fraction of ternary nano-powders (ϕ), and dust density (ɷ), are scrutinized for their influences on system behavior. Assessment criteria encompass TEG efficiency (η_TEG), thermal efficiency (η_th), PV efficiency (η_PV), and hydrogen production.

Significant findings

The dispersion of ternary nanoparticles in water yields increased values of η_th and η_TEG, approximately by 1.13 % and 1.63 %, respectively, at V_in=0.04 m/s. Substituting sinusoidal tubes for circular tubes at solar irradiation G = 900 W/m² results in enhancements of approximately 1.01 %, 16.78 %, and 9.38 % in η_PV, η_TEG, and η_th, respectively. Dust accumulation causes a decline in system performance due to reduced transmissivity of the glass layer. For sinusoidal tubes, η_PV, η_th, and η_TEG decrease by approximately 13.55 %, 5.41 %, and 3.73 %, respectively, with an increase in ɷ. Integrating the system with an electrolyzer reveals potential for hydrogen production, which can be enhanced by approximately 1.49 % through structural modifications. Additionally, increases in V_in and G can augment H₂ production by around 1.83 % and 28.38 %, respectively, while it decreases by approximately 13.29 % with dust deposition.