Improving the photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system by adding the PCM and finned tube heat exchanger
Source abstract
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to improve the performance of the photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) system by incorporating phase change material (PCM) into the heat exchanger. A new design for the finned tube heat exchanger layout was introduced, and a comprehensive mathematical model was developed to analyze the heat transfer process and operational efficiency of the PV/T system. The temperature variation of the PV/T system was simulated and validated using real climatic conditions in Baghdad and Tehran. To conduct our analysis, we utilized the OpenFOAM software and enhanced our solver to accurately capture the melting process in the PCM. We also investigated the effects of wind velocity and atmospheric pressure on the performance of the PV/T system. Our findings showed that an increase in wind velocity led to an increase in PV/T efficiency, while an increase in atmospheric pressure resulted in a decrease in efficiency. Additionally, we observed that the Baghdad climate was more sensitive to variations in wind velocity compared to Tehran. In Baghdad and Tehran, the highest obtained water temperatures were 54.3 and 50.1 °C, respectively. Furthermore, a study was conducted to assess the viability of using PV/T (photovoltaic-thermal) technology for hot water production in the Multi-Effect Desalination and Adsorption Desalination cycle. The proposed PV/T system demonstrated an average performance improvement of 26% compared to traditional PV/T systems. During warmer months, the system was capable of producing 0.11 and 0.10 m3/h of potable water per month in Baghdad and Tehran, respectively. Furthermore, the system had the potential to generate 170 and 140 kW h of electricity for the respective cities.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems · Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods · Photovoltaic System Optimization Techniques
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
School of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology 1 , Hengam Ave., Tehran 16846-13114, Iran
Developments and Optimization of Energy Technologies Division, Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI) 2 , Tehran 14856-13111, Iran
Funding
Environmental Committee of Iraq
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