Tilt Angle and Orientation Assessment of Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) System for Sub-Saharan Tropical Regions: Case Study Douala, Cameroon

Abstract

Photovoltaic systems when integrated into a building structure can satisfy the world’s energy requirements at a competitive cost by providing onsite electrical and thermal energies for domestic appliances. The energy yield of the photovoltaic system is affected by the intensity of the solar radiation, wind speed, tilt angle, orientation, geographical location, etc. This paper presents an optimisation model of the tilt angle and orientation of a photovoltaic thermal system. A methodology has been developed to optimize the tilted angle of the roof for higher exergy output taking into account the intensity of solar radiation, wind speed, geographical location, cost of cleaning dust, etc. For a system installed in the city of Douala, Cameroon, it is recommended that the PV should be inclined at an angle between 10° and 20° south-facing for economical output. The cost per unit of electricity between the tilt inclination angles from 0° to 20° with south orientation is USD 0.04 per kWh. The cost of electricity loss due to a 20° tilt inclination angle can be compensated with the labour cost and work required for cleaning the photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system of the horizontal roof. The system installed over an effective area of 8 m2 is capable of producing annual net exergy of 2195.81 kWh/year at an efficiency of 11.8%.

Sensitivity analysis of the thermal performance of a parabolic trough concentrator using Al2O3 and SiO2/Vegetable oil as heat transfer fluid

“…In today's dynamic world of socio-economic and environmental challenges, energy conversion, conservation and utilization systems are the subject of much controversy in scientific and related fields [ [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] , [6] ]. The PTSC, known as one of the world's leading energy conversion systems, offers multitudes of possibilities for the efficient conversion, management, production and use of solar energy [ 7 , 8 ].…”

Assessing the Impact of Soiling, Tilt Angle, and Solar Radiation on the Performance of Solar PV Systems

“…This must be weighed against the additional costs associated with increasing the tilt angle of a solar PV module, such as additional costs for supporting structures, higher labour [11] and installation costs [12], and an increased risk of damage due to strong winds or snow loads [13]. Therefore, while it is important to consider the tilt angle and orientation of a solar PV module when selecting one for installation, this must be done in a balanced way to ensure that the costs are kept to a minimum [12] and that the efficiency of the module is maximized [11] while also ensuring that the risks of damage are minimized [14].…”

“…Numerous researchers have studied the effect of soiling and the optimum tilt angle on PV performance and found that soiling can reduce photovoltaic efficiency by up to 50% [11], while the optimum tilt angle can increase efficiency by up to 20% [12]. As such, maintaining clean solar panels and optimizing their tilt angle can have a significant positive impact on photovoltaic efficiency and should be taken into account when installing a solar PV system for maximum energy production.…”