Scandinavian environment optimized photovoltaic thermal collector prototype development
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Journal Title
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Volume Title
Insinööritieteiden korkeakoulu |
Master's thesis
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Authors
Date
2022-05-16
Department
Major/Subject
Product Development / Strategic Management
Mcode
ME310 / IL 3006
Degree programme
Master's Programme in Mechanical Engineering (MEC)
Language
en
Pages
99 + 11
Series
Abstract
First section of this thesis work introduces milestones of the solar energy technology worldwide growth and development as well as solar energy development and utilization in Finland. Previous research works based on photovoltaic thermal collector technology are studied widely including air-based PV/T collectors, less common PV/T collectors based on heat pipe, phase change materials, nanofluids but keeping focused on water-based PV/T collector technology which is objective in this thesis work. Different heat absorber designs, PV cell layer and heat absorber integration methods and performance parameters such as PV cell temperature, fluid flow rate optimization based on energy and exergy analysis studied in previous research works are introduced to constitute a framework for further PV/T collector development. Both analytical thermal analysis using Hottel Whillier Bliss, and Zang and Lavan models and CFD simulation using COMSOL software of the header-riser and serpentine absorbers respectively are done. Obtained results of both analysis methods are compared and judged between each other with good agreement. Hottel Whillier Bliss and Zang and Lavan thermal analysis workflow of the header-riser and serpentine absorbers as well as CFD simulation models are consistently presented and described in this work. As CFD simulation model was built and verified with analytical thermal analysis approaches, CFD simulations of labyrinth and modified serpentine absorber designs are performed and their thermal performance results are presented. Thermal performance and fluid flow of different absorber designs are compared and judged. Based on simulation results, modified serpentine heat absorber is chosen for further consideration in PV/T collector prototype design. In PV/T collector design PV cells layer is attached to the heat absorber so intermediate layer has to be dielectric and also thermal conductive thus final section of this work comprises study of the dielectric thermal conductive materials and heat absorber integration solutions.Description
Supervisor
Ekman, KaleviThesis advisor
Tamayo Vera, JoseKeywords
solar energy, PV/T collector, water-based, COMSOL, Hottel Whillier Bliss, Zang and Lavan