Thermal behavior of a copolymer PV/Th solar system in low flow rate conditions

Thermal behavior of a copolymer PV/Th solar system in low flow rate conditions Original Research Article Pages 1123-1138 Christian Cristofari, Gilles Notton, Jean Louis Canaletti Close preview | Related articles | Related reference work articles Abstract | Figures/Tables | References Abstract A simulation model of finite differences describing a water heating system using a Hybrid Photovoltaic–Thermal collector manufactured in a copolymer material and running in low flow rate conditions has been developed. It includes the essential thermal transfers. The thermal and electrical performances of this solar system have been studied. The choice of the material and the structure of the solar collector are described. The temperatures evolution is modeled in various parts of the solar system and the stratification of the tank is shown. Average electrical, thermal and global efficiencies are calculated each month. We note the importance of thermal recuperation which can catalyze the development of such systems. The utilization of a copolymer for the total design of the solar collector has numerous advantages as reducing the weight, facilitating the manufacturing and reducing the cost. Article Outline Nomenclature 1. Introduction 2. Description of the PV/T solar system 3. Theoretical analysis 3.1. The PV/T solar collector 3.1.1. The PV module 3.1.2. The thermal adhesive 3.1.3. The absorber 3.1.4. The insulation 3.1.5. Thermal hypotheses 3.1.6. Global thermal expressions for the PV/T solar collector 3.1.7. Expression of the various thermal coefficients 3.1.8. Expression of the various thermal flux 3.1.8.1. The energy flux π1 3.1.8.2. The flux π2 3.1.8.3. The energy flux π3 3.1.8.4. The flux π4 3.2. The tank 3.3. Connection pipes 4. Method of solution 5. Results 5.1. Evolution of temperatures 5.2. The tank temperatures and the thermal and electrical efficiencies 5.3. Quasi-steady state and stagnation temperatures 6. Conclusion References