Performance analysis of a novel integrated photovoltaic–thermal system by top-surface forced circulation of water

Abstract Almost 80–90% of energy is wasted as heat (provides no value) in a photovoltaic (PV) panel. An integrated photovoltaic–thermal (PVT) system can utilize this energy and produce electricity simultaneously. In this research, through energy and exergy analysis, a novel design and methodology of a PVT system are studied and validated. Unlike the common methods, here the collector is located outside the PV panel and connected with pipes. Water passes over the top of the panel and then is forced to the collector by a pump. The effects of different water-mass flow rates on the PV panel and collector, individual and overall efficiency, mass loss, exergetic efficiency are examined experimentally. Results show that the overall efficiency of the system is around five times higher than the individual PV-panel efficiency. The forced circulation of water dropped the panel temperature and increased the panel efficiency by 0.8–1% and exergy by 0.6–1%, where the overall energy efficiency was ~81%. Most of the sun’s energy striking a photovoltaic (PV) panel is wasted as heat. Integrating a cooling system with a PV panel increased the panel efficiency by 0.8–1% and exergy by 0.6–1%, where the overall energy efficiency was ~81%. Graphical Abstract Graphical Abstract