Numerical investigation on the performance and environmental aspect of roll bond photovoltaic thermal unit condenser incorporating fins on the absorber

To contribute to the sustainable energy production, the current paper proposed and numerically solved a model of roll bond photovoltaic thermal (RB-PVT) condenser with fins by using ANSYS Sotfware18. First, the effect of four different fin shapes and number was analyzed to determine the fin shape and number best suit for the study. Last, on the basis of RB-PVT unit condenser with 3 fins of straight rectangular shape, a sensitivity was conducted considering fin length and width in the range of 0.2e0.7 mm, and 195 degrees-255 degrees and 345 degrees-285 degrees for the position of fin on left and right side of the fixed one, respectively. The highest average values in heat dissipation flux, pressure drop and overall fin efficiency were respectively obtained to be 1792.693 W/m2, 86.471 kPa and 79.767% when varying fin(s) width and angle. In addition, the average refrigeration coefficient of performance (COP) of 5.079 and which is higher than that of previous studies was achieved. Meanwhile, the maximum average of 258.07 united state dollars (USD) would be saved to capture and store 8.603 tons of emissions (CO2), after every 5 years. RB-PVT unit with fins not only can improve the system performance but also can help achieving a clean environment. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.