Experimental investigation of hybrid photovoltaic-thermal system: Integration of concentration, tracking, and cooling mechanisms

This study presents an experimental investigation into the performance of a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal system through the integration of cooling, concentration, and tracking technologies. The research addresses several key challenges related to photovoltaic panels, including reduced efficiency due to high surface temperatures, large installation areas, and suboptimal solar energy capture. A comprehensive experimental setup was designed, featuring active water cooling through roll-bond heat exchangers, flat mirror concentrators, and a dual-axis solar tracker. The system was tested with three different configurations under actual outdoor climatic conditions at Damietta University in Egypt, and their performances were compared to those of a conventional photovoltaic panel. The results revealed that the combined configuration of cooling, tracking, and concentration mechanisms achieved the highest performance improvement, leading to a relative electrical efficiency enhancement up to 40 % compared to the conventional panel, with an average relative enhancement of 27 % throughout the day, and a peak power output of 340 W at noon. Furthermore, the system showed thermal energy recovery with an efficiency up to 75 %, illustrating its dual functionality in both electricity and thermal generation. These results highlight the potential of integrated photovoltaic-thermal systems to enhance electrical energy production, raise sustainability, and reduce dependence on non-renewable sources.