Design and Development of Hybrid Photovoltaic Solar Thermal Collector

Project Title

Design and Development of Hybrid Photovoltaic Solar Thermal Collector

Project Area of Specialization Mechanical EngineeringProject Summary

The summary of our FYP presents the modeling and development of a hybrid Photovoltaic and thermal solar (PV/T) collector, a combination of photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems for the simultaneous production of electricity and heat from one integrated component. It is well known that the efficiency of a photovoltaic solar cell is adversely affected if the panel temperature exceeds the design value (typically, a loss of 0.5% results per degree in excess). This led to the idea of constructing a hybrid solar panel in which a coolant circulating on the bottom side of the photovoltaic cells (their non-irradiated side) allows to lower their operating temperature, thereby increasing both their efficiency and their life. The sensible heat of this coolant can be then recovered by generating domestic hot water or contributing to space heating. The plate-and-tube, air-cooled PVT will analyze in work is the one that currently displays the most promising market perspectives. It consists of a glass plate, a photovoltaic panel, air duct, and metal plate welded on the backside for the heat exchange.

Project Objectives

Aims and objectives are as follow:

1. Mathematical Modeling of Flat plate type hybrid PV/T solar collector to meet certain Electric/Heating load.
2. Implementation of the model in a computer program and parametric analysis:

• By varying mass flow rate of air
•      By changing the air passage.
• Effect of collector slope
• Effect of insulation thickness, glazed glass etc.

      3.Manufacturing/purchase of system components including measuring instruments.

      4.Fabrication of the whole unit

       5.Experimentation to verify the performance of the PV/T collector

Project Implementation Method

We implement our project by following these steps:

• Literature Survey
• Theoretical Modeling of hybrid PV/T solar collector.
• Implementation of the model using the software.
• Manufacturing and fabrication of the system.
• Experimental analysis
• Preparation of the Draft Report

Benefits of the Project

We chose this topic because:

PV systems are one of the main substitutes for fossil fuels since they exhibit many merits such as cleanness, little maintenance, and no noise.

This project is related to Renewable energy, which is hot topic today

Yield two important parameters, “heat” and “electricity’’.

Industrial as well as commercial level project

Efficient use of roof space

Less expensive as compared to the individual system.

Study that how collector helps to increase the efficiency of PV panel.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

We will try to increase the efficiency of the solar system by lowering the temperature of the solar cell, usually in summer increase up to 60C, and the heat which solar cell absorb, we will try to transfer this heat to the duct placed underneath the panel to heat up the air, and temperature of cells will decrease to 35C according to over calculations, and this warm air will further use for heating purposes.

Final Deliverable of the Project Hardware SystemCore Industry Energy Other IndustriesCore Technology OthersOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Affordable and Clean EnergyRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	60500
PV pannel	Equipment	2	12000	24000
Thermal collector	Equipment	1	7000	7000
insulation	Equipment	1	3000	3000
wooden frame	Equipment	1	2000	2000
invertor and battery	Equipment	1	15000	15000
Fan	Miscellaneous	2	1000	2000
thermocouple	Miscellaneous	3	2500	7500