Parametric energy and exergy evaluation of a new hybrid photovoltaic thermal system using 3D computational analysis

Abstract

In light of recent advances, two main gaps persist in the literature: limited studies on box-type photovoltaic-thermal systems (PVT-S) and the absence of surface temperature dispersal analyses. Selecting suitable heat exchanger (HE) materials compatible with the system’s architecture is essential. To address these gaps, this study introduces a new PVT-S configuration. Energy and exergy performances were evaluated under varying operating conditions, including mass flow rate (FR), inlet temperature of the heat transfer (HT) fluid, and solar irradiation. Three-dimensional simulations were performed in COMSOL Multiphysics® using the finite element method (FEM), and the numerical approach was validated against experimental and numerical data from the literature. The results show that copper and aluminum have similar HE performance, suggesting that aluminum is a lighter and more cost-effective alternative. Increased solar radiation generally improved PVT-S efficiency, although electrical efficiency (EE) decreased slightly by 0.34% and reached a maximum value of 12.29%. The maximum thermal efficiency (TE) achieved by the system is 80.9%, and the exergy efficiency is 15.6%. Higher FRs improve energy yields but reduce exergy-based yields. Increasing the inlet temperature reduces both electrical (-0.53%) and thermal (-11.56%) yields, while improving total thermal and exergy yields, but decreasing electrical exergy yield. Keywords Channel-shaped HE, Energy and exergy analysis, FEM, Numerical simulation, Photovoltaic thermal system