Performance study of sandwich glazed photovoltaic thermal collector

Abstract

Solar energy technologies are harmless to the environment compared with other energy sources and do not contribute to global warming. the principle of solar photovoltaic (pv) power generation is based on the direct conversion of radiant light from the sun into electrical power without the intervention of any other devices. the operating temperature of the pv cell is essential in converting the renewable radiant energy emitted by the sun into direct current to meet various energy demands. a considerable amount of absorbed radiant energy is transformed into heat as a result of the comparatively poor conversion of sunlight into electrical power. the abundant thermal energy prompts an enormous increment in temperature within the photovoltaic cells. it should be remembered that the photovoltaic efficiency and temperature of the solar pv cell are indirectly proportional. the performance of the pv module can be greatly enhanced by minimising the operating temperature of the semiconducting pv cells. therefore, numerous strategies have been implemented to reduce the temperature pertaining to pv cells. the photovoltaic thermal (pv/t) based system is a newer, more efficient substitute for the conventional form of the pv module. a pv/t system is a combined product of a standard pv module and solar thermal collector components that generates both electrical power and heat from a single integrated unit. the thermal collector components absorb the excess heat with the help of a working medium like water, air and nanofluid from the pv module and utilise it for domestic and industrial applications. therefore, producing electrical power and heat from a single pv/t system is an intellectual concept that can meet both energy requirements. it should be noted that the existing pv/t systems were developed using a commercial pv module. unfortunately, due to the poor thermal conductivity of the tedlar sheet, more heat is stored within the commercial pv module, resulting in a significant reduction in newline newline newline