Experimental Investigation of a Flat Plate Photovoltaic/Thermal Collector

Author(s):  
Mohamad Modrek ◽  
Ali Al-Alili

Photovoltaic thermal collectors (PVT) combines technologies of photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors into a hybrid system by attaching an absorber to the back surface of a PV panel. PVT collectors have gained a lot of attention recently due to the high energy output per unit area compared to a standalone system of PV panels and solar thermal collectors. In this study, performance of a liquid cooled flat PVT collector under the climatic conditions of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates was experimentally investigated. The electrical performances of the PVT collector was compared to that of a standalone PV panel. Moreover, effect of sand accumulation on performance of PVT collectors was examined. Additionally, effect of mass flow rate on thermal and electrical output of PVT collector was studied. Electrical power output is slightly affected by changes in mass flow rate. However, thermal energy increased by 22% with increasing flow rate. Electrical power output of a PV panel was found to be 38% lower compared to electrical output of PVT collectors. Dust accumulation on PVT surface reduced electrical power output up to 7% compared with a reference PVT collector.

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Shalih ◽  
Purwadi Joko Widodo ◽  
Dwi Aries Himawanto

<p><em>This study aimed to analyze the effect of angle of blade on the horizontal flow to the performance of the propeller water turbine. The experiments were performed using several test parameters including the angle of blade on the variation mass flow rate of water. With potential head 2 meters and variated turbine blade angle to achieved optimal power generated.  The result showed that the variation of angle of blade with 30<sup>0</sup> angles and 11.6 l/s mass flow rate of water was the best variation to improve the performance of the propeller water turbine. The best variation can generated 32 Watt of electric power.</em></p>


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (13) ◽  
pp. 3731
Author(s):  
Simon Kamerling ◽  
Valéry Vuillerme ◽  
Sylvain Rodat

Using solar power for industrial process heat is an increasing trend to fight against climate change thanks to renewable heat. Process heat demand and solar flux can both present intermittency issues in industrial systems, therefore solar systems with storage introduce a degree of freedom on which optimization, on a mathematical basis, can be performed. As the efficiency of solar thermal receivers varies as a function of temperature and solar flux, it seems natural to consider an optimization on the operating temperature of the solar field. In this paper, a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) algorithm is developed to optimize the operating temperature in a system consisting of a concentrated solar thermal field with storage, hybridized with a boiler. The MILP algorithm optimizes the control trajectory on a time horizon of 48 h in order to minimize boiler use. Objective function corresponds to the boiler use, for completion of the heat from the solar field, whereas the linear constraints are a simplified representation of the system. The solar field mass flow rate is the optimization variable which is directly linked to the outlet temperature of the solar field. The control trajectory consists of the solar field mass flow rate and outlet temperature, along with the auxiliary mass flow rate going directly to the boiler. The control trajectory is then injected in a 0D model of the plant which performs more detailed calculations. For the purpose of the study, a Linear Fresnel system is investigated, with generic heat demand curves and constant temperature demand. The value of the developed algorithm is compared with two other control approaches: one operating at the nominal solar field output temperature, and the other one operating at the actual demand mass flow rate. Finally, a case study and a sensitivity analysis are presented. The MILP’s control shows to be more performant, up to a relative increase of the annual solar fraction of 4% at 350 °C process temperature. Novelty of this work resides in the MILP optimization of temperature levels presenting high non-linearities, applied to a solar thermal system with storage for process heat applications.


Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Carcasci ◽  
Lapo Cheli ◽  
Pietro Lubello ◽  
Lorenzo Winchler

This paper presents an off-design analysis of a gas turbine Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) combined cycle. Combustion turbine performances are significantly affected by fluctuations in ambient conditions, leading to relevant variations in the exhaust gases’ mass flow rate and temperature. The effects of the variation of ambient air temperature have been considered in the simulation of the topper cycle and of the condenser in the bottomer one. Analyses have been performed for different working fluids (toluene, benzene and cyclopentane) and control systems have been introduced on critical parameters, such as oil temperature and air mass flow rate at the condenser fan. Results have highlighted similar power outputs for cycles based on benzene and toluene, while differences as high as 34% have been found for cyclopentane. The power output trend with ambient temperature has been found to be influenced by slope discontinuities in gas turbine exhaust mass flow rate and temperature and by the upper limit imposed on the air mass flow rate at the condenser as well, suggesting the importance of a correct sizing of the component in the design phase. Overall, benzene-based cycle power output has been found to vary between 4518 kW and 3346 kW in the ambient air temperature range considered.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 368-376
Author(s):  
Dipak Sudam Patil ◽  
Rachayya R. Arakerimath ◽  
Pramod V. Walke

Purpose This paper aims to present an experimental investigation and optimization of a low-temperature thermoelectric module to examine the influence of the main operating conditions. Design/methodology/approach In this work, a comparison was made by varying the various operating parameters such as heat source temperature, the flow rate of the cold fluid and the external load resistance. A Taguchi method was applied to optimize the parameters of the system. Three factors, including the external load resistance, mass flow rate of water (at the heat sink side) and heater temperature (at the heat source side) along with different levels were taken into account. Analysis of variance was used to determine the significance and percentage contribution of each parameter. Findings The experimental results show that the maximum power output 8.22W and the maximum conversion efficiency 1.11 per cent were obtained at the heater temperature of 240°C, the cold fluid mass flow rate of 0.017 kg/s, module temperature difference of 45°C and the load resistance of 5 O. It was observed that the optimum parameter levels for maximum power output determined as 5 O external load resistance, 0.17 kg/s mass flow rate of water and 240°C heater temperature (A1B3C3). It reflects that these parameters influence on the optimum conditions. The heater temperature is the most significant parameter on the power output of the thermoelectric module. Originality/value It is clear from the confirmation test that experimental values and the predicted values are in good agreement.


2016 ◽  
Vol 836 ◽  
pp. 102-108
Author(s):  
Mirmanto ◽  
Emmy Dyah Sulistyowati ◽  
I Ketut Okariawan

In the rainy season, in tropical countries, to dry stuffs is difficult. Using electrical power or fossil energy is an expensive way. Therefore, it is wise to utilize heat waste. A device that can be used for this purpose is called radiator. The effect of mass flow rate on pressure drop and heat transfer for a dryer room radiator have been experimentally investigated. The room model size was 1000 mm x 1000 mm x 1000 mm made of plywood and the overall radiator dimension was 360 mm x 220 mm x 50 mm made of copper pipes with aluminium fins. Three mass flow rates were investigated namely 12.5 g/s, 14 g/s and 16.5 g/s. The water temperature at the entrance was increased gradually and then kept at 80°C. The maximum temperature reached in the dryer room was 50°C which was at the point just above the radiator. The effect of the mass flow rate on the room temperature was insignificant, while the effect on the pressure drop was significant. Moreover, the pressure drop decreased as the inlet temperature increased. In general, the radiator is recommended to be used as the heat source in a dryer room.


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 1117-1122
Author(s):  
Win Eng Ewe ◽  
Ahmad Fudholi ◽  
Kamaruzzaman Sopian ◽  
Nilofar Asim

This research demonstrates how to develop a novel energy balance equation to investigate heat transmission between the components of a bifacial photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) air heater with a jet plate. The temperature output and efficiency of the system are shown. A greater mass flow rate reduces the exit air temperature and increases the thermal efficiency of the thermal component. Increased sun irradiation raises the output air temperature and thermal efficiency. In terms of electrical efficiency, a greater mass flow rate reduces the temperature of the PV panel while increasing electrical efficiency. On the other hand, higher solar irradiation raises the temperature of the PV panel, lowering its electrical efficiency. The maximum thermal efficiency of BPVTJPR is 51.09% under the circumstances of 12 PV cells with a packing factor of 0.66, a jet plate reflector with 36 holes, 900 W/m2 solar irradiances, and a mass flow rate of 0.035 kg/s. The maximum electrical efficiency of BPVTJPR is 10.73% under the circumstances of 12 PV cells with a packing factor of 0.66, a jet plate reflector with 36 holes, 700 W/m2 solar irradiances, and a mass flow rate of 0.035 kg/s.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (7A) ◽  
pp. 1001-1015
Author(s):  
Jalal M. Jalil ◽  
Ahmed A. Hussein ◽  
Anwar J. Faisal

The solar energy system is environmentally friendly and the utilization of photovoltaic thermal collectors, (PV/T) has attracted more attention, which directly converts solar radiation into electricity and thermal energy simultaneously. This study investigated the air biased Photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collectors, (PV/T) trend for two cases, denominate case one (PV/T system fully covered with PV modules), and case tow (PV/T system partially covered with glass). The studied parameters were solar irradiance and the air mass flow rate. The investigation has been performed in terms of outlet air temperature, electrical power, thermal and electrical efficiencies. A numerical model was developed using the computational fluid dynamic program (CFD) and the results were compared with the experimental measurements that carried out from indoor conditions using a solar simulator. A good agreement has been achieved between experimental and numerical results. The performance of both cases one and case two concluded that the PV/T system should be operating at a moderate air flow rate of 0.013 kg/s, which is the best mass flow rate. In addition, it has been observed that for case tow the maximum outlet air temperature and electric powers were 44.3 oC and 26.6 W, respectively. For case one, thermal and electrical efficiencies were found 34% and 10%, respectively, based on the experimental data, while for case 2, the maximum thermal and electrical efficiencies were found to be 48.9 and 9.1%, respectively.


Author(s):  
J. P. Yadav ◽  
Bharat Raj Singh ◽  
Onkar Singh

Although gas turbines are known as constant volume machines, but its performance considerably depends upon the ambient air temperature and mass flow rate. During summer season the density of the air decreases which affects the mass flow rate and ultimately the power output of a gas turbine is reduced. In order to overcome this situation several techniques are already in the practice and one of the most effective and economical is adopting the inlet fog cooling, and this technique basically enhances the power output of the machine. The cooling of ambient air by fog cooling up to wet bulb temperature increases the mass flow rate on account of increase in air density, as a result it ultimately increases the power output of a gas turbine. Fogging is applied with consideration of relative humidity of ambient air not only during summer season but also during dry days of summer season in order to increase the power output of gas turbine. This paper describes the effect on percentage enhancement of power out adopting various fuel options with low and high humidity ambient conditions. The result indicates the potential increase in the power output up to 14%. It is also observed that the total cost of power production increases due to increase in fuel consumption on account of enhanced power output. Thus the best suitable selling cost of power should be selected to compensate the increased investment on fuel cost.


2013 ◽  
Vol 136 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
U. C. Arunachala ◽  
M. Siddhartha Bhatt ◽  
L. K. Sreepathi

This paper investigates the deterioration in the performance of thermosiphon flat plate solar water heaters (SWH) with water side scaling. The study presents the analytical and experimental variation of mass flow rate of water with scale thickness in risers of conventional solar flat plate water heater for different electrical power inputs (covering the full range of solar incident radiation up to 1 kW/m2). This information is extended further to determine the drop in efficiency characteristics represented by the Hottel–Whillier–Bliss (H–W–B) constants for full–fledged SWH. To simulate scaling in risers in the absorber plate of a SWH, an artificial method of coating has been used to create single pipe riser of different uniform scale thicknesses. Four such risers are created with scale thickness of 0 mm, 0.7 mm, 1.7 mm, 2.7 mm, and 3.7 mm. The observed drop in mass flow rate through the range of risers between 0 mm and 3.7 mm scale thickness is 58.5% for the thermal input power (supplied through electric heating) of 129.5 W (corresponding to a solar incident radiation of 980 W/m2). In comparison, the analytical results show a corresponding drop of 70.12%. A comparison of the coated riser with a cut tube of an actually scaled riser indicates excellent matching of thermal conductivity. The divergence between experimental and analytical mass flow rate in the case of a riser of the highest scale thickness, viz., 3.7 mm, is the lowest because of increased pressure gain in the flow region together with higher temperature than predicted by the general equation. The experimental data of various energy parameters from the single tube scaled riser studies are matching with analytical values for the different input electrical power levels (corresponding to the different solar radiation levels). As identical conditions are used in the experimental analysis, the results for risers of various scale thicknesses and electrical power inputs are applicable to corresponding full–fledged SWH.


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