{"title":"Thermo-hydrodynamic and exergy optimization of a photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) air collector using NSGA-II","authors":"Seyed Morteza Javadpour , Rasoul Soufi Noughabi , Ebrahim Kadivar","doi":"10.1016/j.jestch.2025.102030","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the hydrodynamic, thermal, and exergy performances of a photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) air collector by examining four geometric and hydrodynamic variables. The Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) optimization method, combined with the finite volume method, is employed to identify and analyze the optimal configuration in comparison to the initial design. Unlike prior studies that optimize isolated design parameters, this work presents a comprehensive multi-objective optimization strategy, concurrently minimizing pumping power while maximizing first- and second-law efficiencies. Three distinct single-objective optimizations were also conducted to minimize pumping power, maximize first-law (thermal) efficiency, and enhance second-law (exergy) efficiency, exploring various geometric and operational parameters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results reveal that airflow rate and air channel height significantly influence pumping power, while the number of fins and airflow rate have the most substantial impact on thermal and exergy efficiencies. The single-objective optimization results indicate a 28 % enhancement in thermal efficiency and an 18 % improvement in exergy efficiency, while hydrodynamic performance sees a significant 98 % reduction. In comparison, the multi-objective optimized configuration—featuring a channel height of 0.088 m, a width of 0.159 m, six fin rows, and an airflow rate of 0.006 kg/s—demonstrates a 30 % decrease in pumping power.</div><div>Additionally, it improves first- and second-law efficiencies by 25 % and 11 %, respectively. Furthermore, the average panel surface temperature decreases by 7 °C in this optimized scenario. By systematically optimizing air channel parameters and integrating exergy-based analysis, this study establishes a novel performance enhancement framework for PV/T systems, providing valuable insights for next-generation solar energy applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48609,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Science and Technology-An International Journal-Jestech","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 102030"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1000,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Engineering Science and Technology-An International Journal-Jestech","FirstCategoryId":"5","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215098625000850","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"ENGINEERING, MULTIDISCIPLINARY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study investigates the hydrodynamic, thermal, and exergy performances of a photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) air collector by examining four geometric and hydrodynamic variables. The Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) optimization method, combined with the finite volume method, is employed to identify and analyze the optimal configuration in comparison to the initial design. Unlike prior studies that optimize isolated design parameters, this work presents a comprehensive multi-objective optimization strategy, concurrently minimizing pumping power while maximizing first- and second-law efficiencies. Three distinct single-objective optimizations were also conducted to minimize pumping power, maximize first-law (thermal) efficiency, and enhance second-law (exergy) efficiency, exploring various geometric and operational parameters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results reveal that airflow rate and air channel height significantly influence pumping power, while the number of fins and airflow rate have the most substantial impact on thermal and exergy efficiencies. The single-objective optimization results indicate a 28 % enhancement in thermal efficiency and an 18 % improvement in exergy efficiency, while hydrodynamic performance sees a significant 98 % reduction. In comparison, the multi-objective optimized configuration—featuring a channel height of 0.088 m, a width of 0.159 m, six fin rows, and an airflow rate of 0.006 kg/s—demonstrates a 30 % decrease in pumping power.
Additionally, it improves first- and second-law efficiencies by 25 % and 11 %, respectively. Furthermore, the average panel surface temperature decreases by 7 °C in this optimized scenario. By systematically optimizing air channel parameters and integrating exergy-based analysis, this study establishes a novel performance enhancement framework for PV/T systems, providing valuable insights for next-generation solar energy applications.
期刊介绍:
Engineering Science and Technology, an International Journal (JESTECH) (formerly Technology), a peer-reviewed quarterly engineering journal, publishes both theoretical and experimental high quality papers of permanent interest, not previously published in journals, in the field of engineering and applied science which aims to promote the theory and practice of technology and engineering. In addition to peer-reviewed original research papers, the Editorial Board welcomes original research reports, state-of-the-art reviews and communications in the broadly defined field of engineering science and technology.
The scope of JESTECH includes a wide spectrum of subjects including:
-Electrical/Electronics and Computer Engineering (Biomedical Engineering and Instrumentation; Coding, Cryptography, and Information Protection; Communications, Networks, Mobile Computing and Distributed Systems; Compilers and Operating Systems; Computer Architecture, Parallel Processing, and Dependability; Computer Vision and Robotics; Control Theory; Electromagnetic Waves, Microwave Techniques and Antennas; Embedded Systems; Integrated Circuits, VLSI Design, Testing, and CAD; Microelectromechanical Systems; Microelectronics, and Electronic Devices and Circuits; Power, Energy and Energy Conversion Systems; Signal, Image, and Speech Processing)
-Mechanical and Civil Engineering (Automotive Technologies; Biomechanics; Construction Materials; Design and Manufacturing; Dynamics and Control; Energy Generation, Utilization, Conversion, and Storage; Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics; Heat and Mass Transfer; Micro-Nano Sciences; Renewable and Sustainable Energy Technologies; Robotics and Mechatronics; Solid Mechanics and Structure; Thermal Sciences)
-Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (Advanced Materials Science; Biomaterials; Ceramic and Inorgnanic Materials; Electronic-Magnetic Materials; Energy and Environment; Materials Characterizastion; Metallurgy; Polymers and Nanocomposites)