Entropy Generation Analysis of 10W_p Photovoltaic Thermal Hybrid System

Abstract

The entropy generation of any thermodynamic system provides a useful measure of extent of irreversibility. The irreversibility causes the loss of useful work (exergy) in the system and it has to be minimized. Thermal radiation, coming from the sun is rich in exergy. Entropy generation is one of the parameter that quantifies the loss of exergy. It is a unique parameter to measure the strength of irreversibility of thermodynamic process. The criterion for the optimal thermodynamic operation of a collector is used in terms of Entropy Generation Number (Ns) and Mass Flow Number (M). In this paper, the performance of a 10 Wp photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system is analyzed. The range of mass flow rates to be used for testing is obtained by entropy minimization method. The maximum electrical, thermal and exergy efficiency of 10.9, 23.5, 14.8 % is obtained at the mass flow rate of 0.008 kg/s.