Modelling and Investigation of Optimum Flow Rate of a Photovoltaic Thermal System (PVT) Integrated with Phase Change Materials (PCM)

Photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems are defined as solar cogeneration systems have been developed since the 1970s, and it is noteworthy in energy supply in terms of both electrical and thermal energy with a single panel. With the removal of the heat load on photovoltaic (PV) systems, it is prevented from the fall of the electrical efficiency, while the thermal energy is to be provided. In the PVT system, the phase change materials (PCMs) are used to continue to provide thermal energy after the sun set the thermal energy emerging thermal energy. In the present study, a PCM based PVT system was established and tested under real meteorological conditions. Paraffin was chosen as PCM. The experimental results of ambient, inlet and outlet temperatures and solar radiation were presented. Temperature distribution of the system tested was analyzed. The system was modeled by ANSYS FLUENT. The model was approved by the real data. Optimum flow rate was investigated for the system. Maximum outlet temperature was achieved at 19 l/h flow rate. It was concluded that flow rates of 15-21 l/h could be used in studies as the ideal flow rate for PVT-PCM system with paraffin.