Enhancing photovoltaic/thermal performance with perforated tube within cooling water duct

Solar photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) systems represent a compelling solution for sustainable energy generation by integrating photovoltaic and thermal technologies. This study investigates a novel cooling approach for PV/T systems, employing water distribution through a perforated tube within a cooling water duct, both experimentally and numerically. Performance parameters including thermal efficiency, electrical efficiency, electrical power output, surface temperature, pressure drop, and outlet temperature are comprehensively examined across varying water mass flow rates such as 4, 6, and 8 liter per minute (LPM). Results demonstrate that implementing the new cooling technique at a water flow rate of 4 LPM significantly reduces PV/T surface temperature, ranging from 30 to 35%. This reduction in temperature is supplemented by a remarkable enhancement in electrical power output, with an increase of 64.5%. Moreover, the cooling method with 8 LPM achieves the maximum thermal and electrical efficiencies recorded at 39.5% and 16.6% respectively at noon. During peak periods, the surface temperature of the PV/T can be maintained at 34 degrees C with 8 LPM water cooling, in contrast to the 56 degrees C temperature observed without cooling. Furthermore, the study reveals that the pressure drop within the system increases with the mass flow rate of water. Detailed analysis of PV/T surface temperature contours, water velocity, and water temperature distribution provides valuable insights into how the innovative cooling technique enhances heat transfer and overall system efficiency. These results underscore the considerable potential of the proposed cooling approach to significantly elevate the performance and sustainability of PV/T systems, paving the way for advancements in renewable energy technologies.