Analysis of Electrical Parameters of a Metal Collector Photovoltaic-Thermal Device

Abstract

A photovoltaic-thermal device (PVTD) is developed to reduce energy losses due to high temperatures in photovoltaic batteries (PVBs) and to obtain thermal energy. To enhance heat exchange with the heat-carrying fluid, a copper absorber and a metal heat collector (HC) were used in the PVTD. Additionally, reflectors were integrated to increase the amount of radiation energy incident on the PVB surface. In experiments conducted under natural conditions, the electrical power outputs of PVB and PVTD were compared. Based on experimental results, the key electrical parameters of the PVB and the PVTD were analyzed. The PVTD included a metal heat collector and reflectors to enhance cooling and solar radiation intensity. As a result, the open circuit voltage of the PVTD was 1V higher, and the short circuit current was 1.56 times greater than those of the PVB. Additionally, the average electrical power values for the PVTD and PVB were recorded as 70.3W and 43W, respectively.