Experimental research on the performance of household-type photovoltaic–thermal system based on micro-heat-pipe array in Beijing

•A novel method of utilization of photovoltaic-cell waste heat is proposed.•A photovoltaic/thermal module based on micro-heat-pipe array is presented.•Thermoelectric performance tests of the photovoltaic/thermal system were conducted.•The total efficiency on four typical days was 45.38%, 44.99%, 38.70%, and 31.89%.•Results serve as an important basis for understanding photovoltaic/thermal system. This paper presented a novel method of dissipating solar photovoltaic heat based on the technology of micro-heat-pipe array and the utilization of photovoltaic-cell waste heat. This novel technology solved the problems of low PV electrical efficiency and thermal failure caused by high cell temperature, greatly increased the comprehensive utilization efficiency of solar energy, and extended the service life of photovoltaic modules. One-year experiments were conducted to investigate the electrical and thermal performance of a forced-circulation, household-type photovoltaic/thermal system based on micro-heat-pipe array in Beijing, China. Test results showed that on the four typical days in different seasons, the average electrical efficiencies were 13.76%, 11.92%, 13.71%, and 14.65%; the average thermal efficiencies were 31.62%, 33.07%, 24.99%, and 17.24%; and the average total efficiencies were 45.38%, 44.99%, 38.70%, 31.89%, respectively. The system met the demand of power supply on sunny days and the demand of hot water between March and November, except in cloudy days. These experimental results can provide basis and reference for practical applications of the system.