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

Ren, Xiao; Li, Jing; Zhao, Xudong; Cao, Jingyu; Pei, Gang; Ji, Jie

Authors

Xiao Ren

Jingyu Cao

Gang Pei

Jie Ji



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.

Citation

Ren, X., Li, J., Zhao, X., Cao, J., Pei, G., & Ji, J. (2021). Parametric Analysis of a Novel Photovoltaic/Thermal System Using Amorphous Silicon Cells and Micro-Channel Loop Heat Pipes. Heat Transfer Engineering, 43(13), 1149-1170. https://doi.org/10.1080/01457632.2021.1943874

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 29, 2020
Online Publication Date Jun 17, 2021
Publication Date 2021
Deposit Date Mar 24, 2022
Journal Heat Transfer Engineering
Print ISSN 0145-7632
Electronic ISSN 1521-0537
Publisher Taylor and Francis
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 43
Issue 13
Pages 1149-1170
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/01457632.2021.1943874
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3801827