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Design and Performance of a Novel Hybrid Photovoltaic–Thermal Collector with Pulsating Heat Pipe (PVTPHP)

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Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Mechanical Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Hybrid photovoltaic–thermal collectors (PVT) are cogeneration components that convert solar energy into both electricity and heat. Pulsating heat pipe (PHP) is a fast-responding, flexible and high-performance thermal-conducting device. The aim of this work is design and performance of a novel hybrid photovoltaic–thermal collector with pulsating heat pipe (PVTPHP) for improving the electrical efficiency, by reducing the photovoltaic panel’s temperature, as well as taking advantage of the thermal energy produced. An experimental setup of PVTPHP is constructed, and its operating parameters are measured. The measured parameters include solar radiation intensity, ambient temperature, filling ratio, inclination angle, PV module temperature, open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, condenser inlet temperature, condenser outlet temperature, water flow rate, fill factor, electrical efficiency, heat delivery and combined efficiency. The results show that this new design has given a good thermal and electric performance compared to the traditional PV and PVT.

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Abbreviations

PVTPHP:

Hybrid photovoltaic–thermal collector with pulsating heat pipe

PHP:

Pulsating heat pipe

PV:

Photovoltaic

FF:

Fill factor

FR:

Filling ratio

A :

Collector gross area, m2

C P :

Specific heat, kJ/kg K

I T :

Instantaneous/hourly flux incident on top cover of collector, W/m2

T i :

Condenser water inlet temperature (°C)

T o :

Condenser water outlet temperature (°C)

T a :

Ambient temperature (°C)

\(\dot{m}\) :

Mass flow rate, kg/s

η :

Efficiency

a:

Ambient

Cond:

Condenser

el:

Electrical

i:

Inlet

mp:

Maximum power

oc:

Open circuit

RF:

Standard test conditions

sc:

Short circuit

th:

Thermal

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Acknowledgements

Financial support from Iran National Science Foundation (INSF), through grant No. 9410017 is greatly acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center of Excellence in Energy Conversion (CEEC), School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, P.O. Box: 11155-9567, Tehran, Iran

    Hassan Kavoosi Balotaki & Mohammad Hassan Saidi

Authors
  1. Hassan Kavoosi Balotaki
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  2. Mohammad Hassan Saidi
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Correspondence to Mohammad Hassan Saidi.

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Kavoosi Balotaki, H., Saidi, M.H. Design and Performance of a Novel Hybrid Photovoltaic–Thermal Collector with Pulsating Heat Pipe (PVTPHP). Iran J Sci Technol Trans Mech Eng 43 (Suppl 1), 371–381 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40997-018-0164-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40997-018-0164-y

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