Validated simulation for thermal regulation of photovoltaic wall structures

A simulation model for PV wall structures is developed so that its thermal and electrical behaviour can be analysed and predicted. The air flow in the air duct behind the PV modules, and the heat transfer through the backing structure can also be calculated. The numerical solution of the governing equations for the air flow in the air duct yield the air velocity and temperature distributions along the air duct. An air duct with lower height and deeper depth can achieve a better performance of ventilation effect for PV modules. An indoor PV wall test rig was built for validation of the simulation model. With a well designed ventilated PV wall structure, the PV cell temperature can be reduced by 15/spl deg/C and the PV module power output can be increased by 8.0% compared with nonventilation PV wall structures. The simulation model predicts well the air flow behaviour inside the air duct.