A numerical approach to enhance the performance of double-pass solar collectors with finned photovoltaic/thermal integration

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions underscores the importance of optimizing photovoltaic (PV) systems to enhance energy efficiency and output. This study addresses the challenge of excessive heat in PV systems, which adversely impacts their performance, by investigating an innovative integration of finned photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) panels with a double-pass solar water collector. The research compares two configurations: a standard PV module without thermal enhancements and an optimized PVT system incorporating fins and a double-pass collector for improved thermal management. Numerical simulations were conducted using PV panels of standardized dimensions (54 cm × 120 cm) with controlled water circulation at a flow rate of 0.01 kg/s. Results demonstrate that the optimized PVT system achieves an average thermal power output of 994.45 W, a 48.6 % increase over the standard setup (669.15 W), and an electrical power output of 60.52 W, reflecting an 8.61 % improvement. The optimized system also exhibits a significant boost in thermal efficiency, reaching 61.00 %, compared to 40.37 % for the conventional configuration, alongside enhanced electrical efficiency of 14.57 %, up from 13.63 %. These findings highlight the efficacy of the innovative design in reducing operating temperatures and improving energy conversion rates. This study offers a novel approach by integrating fins and a double-pass collector in PVT systems, advancing the literature on solar energy technologies and demonstrating practical improvements in energy efficiency. The results underline the potential of enhanced thermal management to drive advancements in renewable energy applications.