Effect of roof–PV panel channel geometry on heat transfer and thermal efficiency in photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems

Engineering notes

Engineering notes will be added by the Power for Solar editorial team.

Chinese explanation / 中文解读

中文解读待补充：本站会优先为光伏效率、钙钛矿太阳能电池、储能技术、太阳能热利用、BIPV、并网技术等高价值论文补充中文说明。

Original abstract

This study investigates the impact of different roof geometries on the performance of a photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system using an air-channel configuration. A fixed channel height was created between the photovoltaic (PV) panel and the roof, and flat, corrugated, trapezoidal, and two newly proposed geometries (Model A and Model B) were examined. The numerical model developed in COMSOL Multiphysics was validated using experimental and the literature data, and then an extensive parametric analysis was conducted considering inlet air velocity, solar irradiance, and channel height. The effects on PV surface temperature, outlet air temperature, and thermal efficiency of PV/T system were evaluated. Results show that the flow-guiding capability of the roof geometry strongly influences both temperatures. In particular, the two newly developed roof geometries have produced a highly beneficial effect. Aerodynamic designs reduce PV surface temperature but yield lower outlet air temperatures due to accelerated flow and shorter residence time. In contrast, the flat roof results in higher temperatures because the flow cannot be directed effectively. Parametric results also indicate that higher inlet air velocity increases thermal efficiency, while higher irradiance raises the PV temperature and reduces efficiency. Increasing channel height weakens the flow structure, decreasing outlet temperature and in some cases thermal efficiency. Overall, the study provides a comprehensive evaluation of PV/T performance under roof-inspired geometries and identifies optimal conditions and key design criteria.

Links and sources

• PDF from original source

Comments