IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/appene/v338y2023ics0306261923002635.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

A three-dimensional unsteady numerical model on a novel aerogel-based PV/T-PCM system with dynamic heat-transfer mechanism and solar energy harvesting analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Zheng, Xinyao
  • Zhou, Yuekuan

Abstract

The daily increasing energy demand combined with global environmental issues has promoted the development of a photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) system with onsite electrical and thermal energy supply in buildings. However, suffering from massive radiative and convective heat losses, the overall efficiency of PV/T systems is relatively low (normally lower than 70%). In this paper, silica aerogel, a spectral selective porous material with high solar transmittance, extra-low thermal conductivity and low mid-infrared emissivity, is integrated into the upper surface of PV/T systems to reduce heat losses. Meanwhile, composite phase change material (PCM) with active heat-transfer enhancement strategies is integrated at the backside for accumulated heat dissipation. Subsequently, a three-dimensional numerical model based on the finite volume method and enthalpy-porosity method is established in the commercial software Ansys Fluent to simulate the dynamic performance. Dynamic heat-transfer mechanism is studied with solar energy harvesting analysis subjected to the typical weather conditions in Guangzhou, China. A series of comparative and parametric studies are performed for optimal structural design and operation. Results indicate that, the incorporation of aerogel and composite PCM with high thermal conductivity are beneficial to improve electrical and thermal efficiencies, while the integration of nanofluid shows negligible effects. The optimal results show the improvement on overall energy and exergy efficiencies by 40.2% and 1.5% in summer and by 42.4% and 0.43% in winter, together with annual CO2 mitigation of 104.1 kg/m2 and return on investment (ROI) of 0.169. This study provides a novel structural design and optimal operation on a novel aerogel-based PV/T-PCM system, together with guidelines on techno-economic-environmental performance improvement, promoting the solar energy harvesting for decarbonization transformations in buildings.

Suggested Citation

  • Zheng, Xinyao & Zhou, Yuekuan, 2023. "A three-dimensional unsteady numerical model on a novel aerogel-based PV/T-PCM system with dynamic heat-transfer mechanism and solar energy harvesting analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 338(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:338:y:2023:i:c:s0306261923002635
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.120899
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306261923002635
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.120899?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gilmore, Nicholas & Timchenko, Victoria & Menictas, Chris, 2018. "Microchannel cooling of concentrator photovoltaics: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 1041-1059.
    2. Zhou, Yuekuan, 2022. "Demand response flexibility with synergies on passive PCM walls, BIPVs, and active air-conditioning system in a subtropical climate," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 199(C), pages 204-225.
    3. Xu, Biwan & Li, Zongjin, 2014. "Paraffin/diatomite/multi-wall carbon nanotubes composite phase change material tailor-made for thermal energy storage cement-based composites," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 371-380.
    4. Yuan, Weiqi & Ji, Jie & Modjinou, Mawufemo & Zhou, Fan & Li, Zhaomeng & Song, Zhiying & Huang, Shengjuan & Zhao, Xudong, 2018. "Numerical simulation and experimental validation of the solar photovoltaic/thermal system with phase change material," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 232(C), pages 715-727.
    5. Lu, Bohui & Zhang, Yongxue & Sun, Dong & Jing, Xiaolei, 2021. "Experimental investigation on thermal properties of paraffin/expanded graphite composite material for low temperature thermal energy storage," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 669-678.
    6. Hossain, M.S. & Pandey, A.K. & Selvaraj, Jeyraj & Rahim, Nasrudin Abd & Islam, M.M. & Tyagi, V.V., 2019. "Two side serpentine flow based photovoltaic-thermal-phase change materials (PVT-PCM) system: Energy, exergy and economic analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 1320-1336.
    7. Zhao, Juan & Yuan, Yanping & Haghighat, Fariborz & Lu, Jun & Feng, Guohui, 2019. "Investigation of energy performance and operational schemes of a Tibet-focused PCM-integrated solar heating system employing a dynamic energy simulation model," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 141-154.
    8. Sato, Daisuke & Yamada, Noboru, 2019. "Review of photovoltaic module cooling methods and performance evaluation of the radiative cooling method," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 151-166.
    9. Eisapour, M. & Eisapour, Amir Hossein & Hosseini, M.J. & Talebizadehsardari, P., 2020. "Exergy and energy analysis of wavy tubes photovoltaic-thermal systems using microencapsulated PCM nano-slurry coolant fluid," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 266(C).
    10. Yu, Qinghua & Chen, Xi & Yang, Hongxing, 2021. "Research progress on utilization of phase change materials in photovoltaic/thermal systems: A critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    11. Faraj, Khaireldin & Khaled, Mahmoud & Faraj, Jalal & Hachem, Farouk & Castelain, Cathy, 2020. "Phase change material thermal energy storage systems for cooling applications in buildings: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    12. Wijesuriya, Sajith & Brandt, Matthew & Tabares-Velasco, Paulo Cesar, 2018. "Parametric analysis of a residential building with phase change material (PCM)-enhanced drywall, precooling, and variable electric rates in a hot and dry climate," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 222(C), pages 497-514.
    13. Yang, Xiaojiao & Sun, Liangliang & Yuan, Yanping & Zhao, Xudong & Cao, Xiaoling, 2018. "Experimental investigation on performance comparison of PV/T-PCM system and PV/T system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 152-159.
    14. Tang, G.H. & Bi, C. & Zhao, Y. & Tao, W.Q., 2015. "Thermal transport in nano-porous insulation of aerogel: Factors, models and outlook," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 90(P1), pages 701-721.
    15. Kazemian, Arash & Hosseinzadeh, Mohammad & Sardarabadi, Mohammad & Passandideh-Fard, Mohammad, 2018. "Experimental study of using both ethylene glycol and phase change material as coolant in photovoltaic thermal systems (PVT) from energy, exergy and entropy generation viewpoints," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 210-223.
    16. Chow, T.T., 2010. "A review on photovoltaic/thermal hybrid solar technology," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 87(2), pages 365-379, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Zhao, Yang & Wang, Ranxu & Gao, Dan & Chen, Haiping & Zhang, Heng, 2024. "Numerical investigation and optimization of a multi-stage Tesla-valve channel based photovoltaic/thermal module," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C).
    2. Özşimşek, Atılgan Onurcan & Omar, Muhammed Arslan, 2024. "A numerical study on the effect of employing porous medium on thermal performance of a PV/T system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
    3. Hu, Zhipei & Jiang, Shuo & Sun, Zhigao & Li, Jun, 2024. "Numerical simulation of fin arrangements on the melting process of PCM in a rectangular unit," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
    4. Chan, Siyan & Zhao, Bin & Yu, Qiongwan & Chen, Ken & Hu, Kongfu & Pei, Gang, 2024. "Seasonal heat regulation in photovoltaic/thermal collectors with switchable backplate technology: Experiments and simulations," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 224(C).
    5. Ke, Wei & Ji, Jie & Zhang, Chengyan & Xie, Hao, 2023. "Field experimental test and performance analysis of a novel hybrid CdTe PV glass module integrated with phase change materials," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    6. Xinchen Na & Yingxue Yao & Jianjun Du, 2023. "Thermal Performance of a Novel Non-Tubular Absorber with Extended Internal Surfaces for Concentrated Solar Power Receivers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-21, June.
    7. Mao, Yufeng & Zhong, Mingliang & Wang, Ji X., 2023. "Dimensionless study of phase-change-based thermal protection for pulsed electromagnetic machines: Towards heat absorption-dissipation matching," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 352(C).
    8. Ke, Wei & Ji, Jie & Zhang, Chengyan & Xie, Hao, 2023. "Modelling analysis and performance evaluation of a novel hybrid CdTe-PCM PV glass module for building envelope application," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 284(C).
    9. Zhou, Yuekuan & Zheng, Siqian, 2024. "A co-simulated material-component-system-district framework for climate-adaption and sustainability transition," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
    10. Zhou, Yuekuan & Zheng, Siqian & Hensen, Jan L.M., 2024. "Machine learning-based digital district heating/cooling with renewable integrations and advanced low-carbon transition," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    11. Wen, Xin & Ji, Jie & Li, Zhaomeng & Yao, Tingting, 2023. "Proposing of a novel PV/T module in series with a ST+TE module to pursue a round-the-clock continuous energy output," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 285(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Yu, Qinghua & Chen, Xi & Yang, Hongxing, 2021. "Research progress on utilization of phase change materials in photovoltaic/thermal systems: A critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    2. Kazemian, Arash & Khatibi, Meysam & Reza Maadi, Seyed & Ma, Tao, 2021. "Performance optimization of a nanofluid-based photovoltaic thermal system integrated with nano-enhanced phase change material," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 295(C).
    3. Zhang, Chenyu & Wang, Ning & Yang, Qiguo & Xu, Hongtao & Qu, Zhiguo & Fang, Yuan, 2022. "Energy and exergy analysis of a switchable solar photovoltaic/thermal-phase change material system with thermal regulation strategies," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 196(C), pages 1392-1405.
    4. Cui, Yuanlong & Zhu, Jie & Zhang, Fan & Shao, Yiming & Xue, Yibing, 2022. "Current status and future development of hybrid PV/T system with PCM module: 4E (energy, exergy, economic and environmental) assessments," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    5. Kumar, Laveet & Hasanuzzaman, M. & Rahim, N.A. & Islam, M.M., 2021. "Modeling, simulation and outdoor experimental performance analysis of a solar-assisted process heating system for industrial process heat," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 656-673.
    6. Reji Kumar, R. & Samykano, M. & Pandey, A.K. & Kadirgama, K. & Tyagi, V.V., 2020. "Phase change materials and nano-enhanced phase change materials for thermal energy storage in photovoltaic thermal systems: A futuristic approach and its technical challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    7. Rezvanpour, Mohammad & Borooghani, Danial & Torabi, Farschad & Pazoki, Maryam, 2020. "Using CaCl2·6H2O as a phase change material for thermo-regulation and enhancing photovoltaic panels’ conversion efficiency: Experimental study and TRNSYS validation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 1907-1921.
    8. Islam, M.M. & Hasanuzzaman, M. & Rahim, N.A. & Pandey, A.K. & Rawa, M. & Kumar, L., 2021. "Real time experimental performance investigation of a NePCM based photovoltaic thermal system: An energetic and exergetic approach," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 71-87.
    9. Gao, Yuanzhi & Wu, Dongxu & Dai, Zhaofeng & Wang, Changling & Chen, Bo & Zhang, Xiaosong, 2023. "A comprehensive review of the current status, developments, and outlooks of heat pipe photovoltaic and photovoltaic/thermal systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 207(C), pages 539-574.
    10. Khani, M.S. & Baneshi, M. & Eslami, M., 2019. "Bi-objective optimization of photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) solar collectors according to various weather conditions using genetic algorithm: A numerical modeling," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
    11. Islam, Kazi & Riggs, Brian & Ji, Yaping & Robertson, John & Spitler, Christopher & Romanin, Vince & Codd, Daniel & Escarra, Matthew D., 2019. "Transmissive microfluidic active cooling for concentrator photovoltaics," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 236(C), pages 906-915.
    12. Liu, Liu & Niu, Jianlei & Wu, Jian-Yong, 2023. "Improving energy efficiency of photovoltaic/thermal systems by cooling with PCM nano-emulsions: An indoor experimental study," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 203(C), pages 568-582.
    13. Ma, Tao & Li, Meng & Kazemian, Arash, 2020. "Photovoltaic thermal module and solar thermal collector connected in series to produce electricity and high-grade heat simultaneously," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 261(C).
    14. Pang, Wei & Cui, Yanan & Zhang, Qian & Wilson, Gregory.J. & Yan, Hui, 2020. "A comparative analysis on performances of flat plate photovoltaic/thermal collectors in view of operating media, structural designs, and climate conditions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    15. Abdelhakim Hassabou & Rima J. Isaifan, 2022. "Simulation of Phase Change Material Absorbers for Passive Cooling of Solar Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-17, December.
    16. Sun, Xiaoqin & Lin, Yian & Zhu, Ziyang & Li, Jie, 2022. "Optimized design of a distributed photovoltaic system in a building with phase change materials," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 306(PA).
    17. Muhammad Aftab Rafiq & Liguo Zhang & Chih-Chun Kung, 2022. "A Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar Energy Developmental Under Competing Technologies: A Case Study in Jiangxi, China," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(2), pages 21582440221, June.
    18. Essa, Mohamed A. & Talaat, M. & Amer, Abdalla & Farahat, M.A., 2021. "Enhancing the photovoltaic system efficiency using porous metallic media integrated with phase change material," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C).
    19. Mukhamad Faeshol Umam & Md. Hasanuzzaman & Nasrudin Abd Rahim, 2022. "Global Advancement of Nanofluid-Based Sheet and Tube Collectors for a Photovoltaic Thermal System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-37, August.
    20. Kazemian, Arash & Khatibi, Meysam & Entezari, Soroush & Ma, Tao & Yang, Hongxing, 2023. "Efficient energy generation and thermal storage in a photovoltaic thermal system partially covered by solar cells and integrated with organic phase change materials," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:338:y:2023:i:c:s0306261923002635. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/405891/description#description .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.