Parametric Analysis of a Novel Photovoltaic/Thermal System Using Amorphous Silicon Cells and Micro-Channel Loop Heat Pipes

Abstract

Photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems are taking up an increasing market share owing to a high overall solar energy efficiency. An innovative PV/T system that combines amorphous silicon cells and micro-channel loop heat pipes is proposed in this paper. It can overcome problems of large thermal stress at fluctuating temperature and frosting in winter which exist in conventional PV/Ts using crystalline silicon cells and copper tube heat exchangers. A distributed parameter model is built and experimental validation on heat transfer and electricity generation is conducted. The parametric influences of thickness of air interlayer, cover factor, number of MCHPs, area of condenser are investigated. The results indicate that the overall energy efficiency increases from 22.30% to 47.61% as the thickness of air interlayer rises from 0 to 15 mm. A number of MCHPs of 8–14 and length of condenser of 4–6 m are recommended for the sake of cost-effectiveness, and the corresponding thermal and electrical efficiencies are about 47% and 6%. The proposed PV/T system can efficiently harness solar heat with a minor impact on electricity output and has significant potential in the medium temperature applications.

Acknowledgments

Sponsored by Innovate UK (TSB 70507-481546) for the Newton Fund – China-UK Research and Innovation Bridges Competition 2015 Project “A High Efficiency, Low Cost and Building Integrate-able Solar Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) System for Space Heating, Hot Water and Power Supply.”

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Xiao Ren

Xiao Ren is a fourth year Ph.D. student in Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China. Her main research interests include solar cells, renewable energy, and comprehensive utilization of photovoltaic and thermal.

Jing Li

Jing Li is a Senior Research Fellow at University of Hull, UK. He received his Ph.D. degree from University of Science and Technology of China in 2011. He was awarded Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowship from 2017 to 2019. He has been engaged in solar thermal and power generation technology.

Xudong Zhao

Xudong Zhao is the Director of Center for Sustainable Energy Technologies at University of Hull. He is a globally recognized energy researcher whose focus is around sustainable building services, renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Over his 30 year career he has led or participated in 58 research projects.

Jingyu Cao

Jingyu Cao is a postdoctoral fellow at University of Science and Technology of China. He has been engaged in research on the heat pipe, heat pump/refrigeration systems, organic Rankine cycle, ground source and solar energy utilization after receiving his Ph.D. degree in Thermal Engineering from University of Science and Technology of China in 2018.

Gang Pei

Gang Pei is a Professor in Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering at University of Science and Technology of China. He received his Ph.D. degree in Engineering Thermophysics from University of Science and Technology of China in 2006. His main research interests are solar energy utilization, low and medium temperature thermal cycle, heat pump technology and solar radiative cooling. He was awarded New Century Excellent Talents in University. He has published more than 100 papers in international journals or conferences

Jie Ji

Jie Ji is a Professor in Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering at University of Science and Technology of China. He received his Ph.D. degree from Harbin Institute of Technology in 1992. He is mainly engaged in solar photovoltaic/thermal utilization, heat pump air conditioning and building energy conservation. He has published more than 200 papers in international journals.