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Iterative Optimization of PV/T Microchannel Structure Based on Non-Uniform Parallel Arrangement

Author

Listed:
  • Bing Hong

    (Guoneng Zhejiang Ninghai Power Generation Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315600, China
    School of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China)

  • Zhigang Zhou

    (Guoneng Zhejiang Ninghai Power Generation Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315600, China)

  • Xuewei Song

    (Guoneng Zhejiang Ninghai Power Generation Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315600, China)

  • Jie Yao

    (Guodian Environmental Protection Research Institute Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210031, China)

  • Xinye Wang

    (School of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China)

  • Wenqiang Geng

    (Qingdao Sarnath Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266100, China)

  • Xiaolian Su

    (School of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China)

Abstract

The traditional uniform parallel microchannel structure in PV/T system results in the formation of high-temperature zones in a silicon cell. This paper proposes using the iterative optimization to change the uniform arrangement of microchannel width to a non-uniform arrangement, making the temperature distribution more uniform. A vertical Z-shape structure is selected as the optimization object for its relatively good performance. Its middle path resistance is high, resulting in a high-temperature zone in the middle-upper part of a silicon cell. Three characteristic parameters are compared to select the optimal monitored variable for the iterative calculations. Specific flow rate is found to be the best characteristic parameter, followed by flow rate, while flow velocity cannot be used for iteration. The optimization significantly improves the uniformity of temperature distribution in the silicon cell. The air layer further enhances the performance of the PV/T system, with a thickness of 7 mm being optimal. At the ambient temperature from −15 °C to 40 °C, the outlet water temperature ranges from 37.7 °C to 53.7 °C, and the overall efficiency ranges from 40.8% to 73.0%, showing good application potential.

Suggested Citation

  • Bing Hong & Zhigang Zhou & Xuewei Song & Jie Yao & Xinye Wang & Wenqiang Geng & Xiaolian Su, 2025. "Iterative Optimization of PV/T Microchannel Structure Based on Non-Uniform Parallel Arrangement," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:4:p:807-:d:1587105
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Herrando, María & Fantoni, Guillermo & Cubero, Ana & Simón-Allué, Raquel & Guedea, Isabel & Fueyo, Norberto, 2023. "Numerical analysis of the fluid flow and heat transfer of a hybrid PV-thermal collector and performance assessment," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 209(C), pages 122-132.
    2. Bing Liu & Linqing Yang & Tiangang Lv & Li Zhu & Mingda Ji & Weihang Hu, 2024. "Application of PVT Coupled Solar Heat Pump System in the Renovation of Existing Campus Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-20, October.
    3. Wang, Jikai & Zhu, Qunzhi & Cai, Jingyong & Fu, Zaiguo & Zhang, Tao & Wu, Chenxi, 2024. "Design and experimental study of a novel flexible PV/T structure," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 296(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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