10E analysis and certain investigation on the performance of high-thermal-conductivity material in PV/T system: an experimental approach

Abstract

The efficiency of photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems can be significantly compromised by energy losses. This study investigates the environmental and economic impacts of a novel PV/T system enhanced with high-thermal-conductivity materials (aluminium, copper, and iron) to reduce energy losses and improve overall efficiency. The incorporation of thermal conducting material mitigates these losses by facilitating better heat dissipation and enhancing thermal transfer within the system. The proposed system demonstrates a daily water yield increase from 1.29 to 1.89 L and a remarkable efficiency boost of 47% compared to conventional systems. The capacity utilization factor (CUF) improved from 2.77 to 2.9%, while the cost per unit of power (CPP) decreased from 35.78 to 34.55 years over a 30-year lifespan. The performance ratio was calculated as 2.7511/2.8983 for the conventional and proposed systems, respectively. Enhanced thermal conductivity allows for more effective heating of the working fluid, thereby increasing evaporation rates in the thermal subsystem. These findings highlight the potential of integrating high-thermal-conductivity materials in PV/T systems, showcasing enhanced productivity, reduced costs, and improved energy efficiency, thus contributing to sustainable energy solutions.