Optimizing Nanofluid Hybrid Solar Collectors through Artificial Intelligence Models

This study systematically explores and compares the performance of various artificial-intelligence (AI)-based models to predict the electrical and thermal efficiency of photovoltaic–thermal systems (PVTs) cooled by nanofluids. Employing extreme gradient boosting (XGB), extra tree regression (ETR), and k-nearest-neighbor (KNN) regression models, their accuracy is quantitatively evaluated, and their effectiveness measured. The results demonstrate that both XGB and ETR models consistently outperform KNN in accurately predicting both electrical and thermal efficiency. Specifically, the XGB model achieves remarkable correlation coefficient (R 2 ) values of approximately 0.99999, signifying its superior predictive capabilities. Notably, the XGB model exhibits a slightly superior performance compared to ETR in estimating electrical efficiency. Furthermore, when predicting thermal efficiency, both XGB and ETR models demonstrate excellence, with the XGB model showing a slight edge based on R 2 values. Validation against new data points reveals outstanding predictive performance, with the XGB model attaining R 2 values of 0.99997 for electrical efficiency and 0.99995 for thermal efficiency. These quantitative findings underscore the accuracy and reliability of the XGB and ETR models in predicting the electrical and thermal efficiency of PVT systems when cooled by nanofluids. The study’s implications are significant for PVT system designers and industry professionals, as the incorporation of AI-based models offers improved accuracy, faster prediction times, and the ability to handle large datasets. The models presented in this study contribute to system optimization, performance evaluation, and decision-making in the field. Additionally, robust validation against new data enhances the credibility of these models, advancing the overall understanding and applicability of AI in PVT systems.