Numerical Simulation of a Combined Solar PV/Thermal Device with two Mechanical Pre-Control Systems

This paper presents the results of a numerical study of a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar air collector provided with fins, assisted PV ventilation, and tracking support. This work aims to study the effective influence of the various key elements (fins, assisted PV ventilation, and tracking support) on the thermal and electrical behaviors of a hybrid PV/T air collector. The addition of fins placed in the dynamic air vein aims to improve the evacuated heat from the PV panel. The purpose of the assisted PV ventilation system is to control the flow of air according to the solar radiation incident on the PV panel. A comparison between simulation and experimental was done in order to validate the numerical model developed for this study. The results show that the three elements provided to PV/T collector give interesting results. The outlet air temperature from the solar device (23 °C) is adequate for residential applications (building air conditioning). Electrical, thermal, and overall average efficiencies have reached significant values of around 13.5, 30, and 70%, respectively.