A Computational Model for Performance Prediction of a Hybrid PV/T Module

Abstract

In this paper we investigate the performance of an integrated solar photovoltaic and thermal (PV/T) liquid (water) collector using a computational simulation program. A detailed time-dependent thermal model was formulated to calculate and correlate the thermal parameters in a standard PV/T collector, including solar cell temperature, back surface temperature, and outlet water temperature. Based on the energy balance of each component of the system, an analytical expression for the temperature of the PV module and the water was derived. In addition, an analytical expression for the instantaneous energy efficiency of the PV/T collector was also derived in terms of thermal, design and climatic parameters. Built on previously published model, a new computer simulation program was developed and validated. The thermal simulation results obtained are more precise than those previously reported in the literature.

Computational Simulation and Analysis of Major Control Parameters of Time-Dependent PV/T Collectors

“…Therefore, we have chosen the circuit model in Figure 8 for the computational model in the present paper, and we set Rsh = 300Ω [23]，Rs = 0.5Ω. Then applying Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) again to gain the output current: Diode current is given by equation ( 16), now we derive the shunt current by equation (20), and then substitute them into equation (19) to get the output current which is shown in equation ( 21…”

“…The cell saturation of dark current always keeps changing with cell temperature and IRS,ref is cell reverse saturation current at reference temperature and corresponding solar radiation, which are shown as equation ( 26) and (27) Now we have obtained several mathematical equations (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27), a computational electrical model was inserted into Matlab applications [31] to analyze the relationship between output current, output voltage, solar radiation and cell temperature. In addition, as we know that power should equal voltage multiplied by current.…”

“…Now we have obtained several mathematical equations (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27), a computational electrical model was inserted into Matlab applications [31] to analyze the relationship between output current, output voltage, solar radiation and cell temperature. In addition, as we know that power should equal voltage multiplied by current.…”

“…in every hour. We also conducted a computational simulation with a time difference of an hour [19]. Although such simulations still have a good agreement with experimental data [17], such large time-step results would have lower authority when an almost real time (1 minute) is considered.…”