Simulation and experimental validation of heat transfer in a novel hybrid solar panel

A hybrid solar panel has been invented to integrate photovoltaic (PV) cells onto a substrate through a functionally graded material (FGM) with water tubes cast inside, through which water serves as both heat sink and solar heat collector. Therefore, the PV cells can work at a relatively low temperature while the heat conduction to the substrate can be minimized. Solar panel prototypes have been fabricated and tested at different water flow rates and solar irradiation intensities. The temperature distribution in the solar panel is measured and simulated to evaluate the performance of the solar panel. The finite element simulation results are very consistent with the experimental data. The understanding of heat transfer in the hybrid solar panel prototypes will provide a foundation for future solar panel design and optimization. The finite element model is general and can be extended for different material design and other size of panels.