Numerical simulation and experimental validation of a novel Sandwich Glazed Photovoltaic Thermal (SGPV/T) water heating system

ABSTRACT

The operating temperature of the photovoltaic (PV) cell is essential in converting the renewable radiant energy emitted by the sun into direct current to meet various energy demands. 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 enriched by minimizing the operating temperature of the semiconducting PV cells, and this is accomplished by removing the surplus heat from the PV module. This paper proposes a novel sandwich- glazed photovoltaic (SGPV) module as an alternative to the standard PV module for overheating protection and assessment of the photovoltaic, thermal, and overall efficiency of the sandwich-glazed photovoltaic thermal (SGPV/T) system. Effects on photovoltaic efficiency and temperature distribution in the SGPV/T system and the standard PV module are also compared. Furthermore, the programmed electrical and thermal models are simulated using MATLAB for comparative analysis. Experiments were conducted in India under the climatic conditions prevailing at Coimbatore (latitude: 11.10ºN; longitude: 76.96ºE). Subsequently, the performance and outlet water temperature of the SGPV/T system are significantly improved with an average photovoltaic, thermal, and overall efficiency of 9.67, 41.34, and 66.78%, respectively.

KEYWORDS:

• sandwich-glazed photovoltaic module
• standard PV module
• temperature
• photovoltaic efficiency
• thermal efficiency

Nomenclature

Table

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Veeramanikandan M

Veeramanikandan M graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Apollo Engineering College, Chennai, India, in 2014. He obtained his M.E in Thermal Engineering from Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore, India, in 2016. Presently he is pursuing Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Anna University, Chennai, India and has been working as an Assistant Professor in Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Technology, Coimbatore since May 2016. His current research areas include solar photovoltaic thermal system, thermal energy storage and solar collector.

Arjunan T. V

Arjunan T.V is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Guru Ghasidas Viswavidyalaya (Central University), Bilaspur (C.G). His active research areas include solar thermal applications, heat transfer, desalination, fluid mechanics, energy systems etc. He has vast experience in teaching and research for about 23 years during which he has developed many innovative solar thermal systems and supervised many research projects of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral theses. He has executed many sponsored projects, workshops/seminars and research projects worth more than 3 crores worth from various funding agencies.

Gunasekar N

Gunasekar N graduated in Mechanical Engineering from The Institution of Engineers (India) in 2003. He obtained his M.E in Thermal Engineering from Government College of Technology, Coimbatore in 2005 and Ph. D in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University in 2015. Presently he is working as Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College from 2017. His current research areas include solar photovoltaic cells, solar desalination and IC Engines.