Search

Photovoltaic (PV) technology that converts solar energy into electricity is projected to play a significant role in renewable development in Malaysia. However, its electrical efficiency decreases with the increase in cell temperature. Therefore, a photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) system uses water to boost electrical efficiency by cooling PV cells. The PV/T system, on the other hand, is the combination of solar PV and solar thermal collector (STC) to simultaneously produce electricity and heated flowing fluid. This research study fabricated monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV panels with tempered glass and epoxy lamination to compare with front flow cooling PV/T systems using similar panels. The experiment with real-time data recording on power output and surface temperature was performed at Wisma R&D, the University of Malaya, during clear sunny weather in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The highest daily electrical efficiency for Monocrystalline PV/T is 16.05%, while Polycrystalline PV/T produces 15% efficiency at a flow rate of 1.3 LPM. In comparison, monocrystalline and polycrystalline PVs have an average electrical efficiency of 14.54% and 13.80%, respectively. The highest thermal efficiency for Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline PV/T was 41.26% and 47.71% at a flow rate of 0.8 LPM. Monocrystalline PV/T has the best electrical efficiency, whereas Polycrystalline PV/T is the best for thermal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems simultaneously produce electricity and heat. • Water flowrate had great impacted on thermal efficiency of the PVT system. • PVT system was more effective at solar irradiation of 500 W / m 2 and above. • Module of 0.78 m 2 area is sufficient to supply hot water for 3-member household. Sustainable clean energy is one of the basic elements to combating climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system simultaneously produces electricity and heat that is one of the attractive options for sustainable clean energy. Experimental investigations have been conducted to optimize water-based PVT system to provide domestic hot water. The monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar module are used to investigate the effect of different parameters on the PVT performance in the tropical climate at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The water flowrate had minimal effects on cell temperature but greatly impacted on thermal efficiency and outlet water temperature. A flow rate of 0.5 LPM achieved the optimum performance with a maximum thermal efficiency and outlet water temperature of 67.4 % and 45.8 °C, respectively. The PVT system was more effective at solar irradiation of 500 W / m 2 and above. One panel of effective area 0.78 m 2 was found to be sufficient to supply hot water for 3-member household and save about 100 % of energy used for water heating. These findings can be used to guide the design and optimization of PVT systems for domestic hot water supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]