Comparative energy and exergy analysis of a CPV/T system based on linear Fresnel reflectors

Abstract An energy generation system that is highly appealing is the integration of a photovoltaic system with linear Fresnel reflectors, especially when combined with a cooling thermal system. This research study involves a comparative analysis of energy and exergy of a CPV/T system that uses traditional linear Fresnel reflectors. The calculations indicate that, given the prevailing weather conditions and an average instantaneous solar radiation of 559 W/m2 at the location, the system can generate an average of 271.23 kWh of electricity and 613.63 kWh of thermal energy per month by utilizing highly efficient, long-lasting, and cost-effective monocrystalline solar cells in the considered the CPV/T system. The overall efficiency of the system is determined to be 54.1 %. According to exergy analysis, the setup experiences some loss of exergy in both its thermal and electrical components. The overall exergy efficiency is calculated as 54.96 %. Thus, on average, the system experiences an exergy loss of 1.01 kWh per day due to thermal factors and 1.70 kWh due to electrical factors. Although the system appears to be more efficient in exergy than energy, the exergy values highlight the need to reduce energy and exergy losses in order to improve the overall system performance.