Optimization of design parameters of glazed hybrid photovoltaic thermal module using genetic algorithm

The aim of this paper is to maximize the overall exergy efficiency of single channel photovoltaic thermal module. The solar panel (PV module) generally gives electrical efficiency in the range of 7% to 12%, the rest energy being dissipated in the form of heat losses. To recover thermal energy from the module photovoltaic thermal system has been simulated. The analysis in this work investigates the influence of seven important parameters on the efficiency of PVT solar system which inter alia includes length and depth of the channel, depth of insulation, velocity of fluid in the channel, depth of the tedlar and glass, and temperature of the fluid at the inlet on the basis of which optimization of the exergy efficiency of the module is done. Attempt is made to develop mathematical model and optimize parameters of glazed hybrid single channel photovoltaic thermal (PVT) module. The relevant mathematical equations for the glazed hybrid single channel photovoltaic thermal module are derived and genetic algorithm (GA) used to optimize overall exergy efficiency of the module. Only the parameters that could physically be varied are included in this optimization analysis while naturally occurring parameters like ambient temperature and solar intensity which vary naturally are excluded from design parameters in the algorithm. During second stage following first optimization only one parameter is varied at a time in the course of analysis while others are kept constant at the previously obtained optimal value.