Performance Analysis of a PV/T Based System by Using MATLAB/Simulink
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In this study, electrical and thermal efficiency analyses of photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collectors were performed. For this purpose, a liquid type flat PV/T collector system which is suitable for hot water supply and electrical power production is used. Various parameters such as sealing factor, radiation, inlet temperature, ambient temperature, absorbent plate parameters (tube spacing, pipe diameter, flap thickness, etc.) and the thermal conductivity of the fluid in the absorbent plate must be taken into consideration for such systems to operate with maximum efficiency. The thermal efficiency of the PV/T collectors is significantly influenced by the ratio of the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the ambient temperature (Ti-Ta) to the global solar radiation (G) falling on the collector surface. (Ti-Ta) / G ratio increase decreases the thermal efficiency. In addition, other factors affecting thermal efficiency are the sealing factor (s) and the different flap ratio (d/w) values. The increase of the d/w ratio also increases the collector area and decreases the PV module temperature, thus increasing the electrical efficiency. The major problem in PV/T systems is that optimum efficiency can be achieved by considering all these parameters. In this study, a MATLAB/Simulink model of PV/T collector was prepared by using mathematical equations. With the help of this model, the design parameters and their effects to thermal and electrical efficiency were investigated. The maximum thermal efficiency, electrical efficiency and total efficiency of the PV/T collector were determined as 64.5%, 13.5% and 78%, respectively.