Modeling and optimization of a solar system based on concentrating photovoltaic/thermal collector

International audienceConcentrated photovoltaic thermal (CPV/T) solar collector systems are designed to provide simultaneously thermal and electrical energies. This paper analyzes a numerical model of a photovoltaic thermal collector in order to evaluate its performances from energy and economic viewpoints. Therefore, a two dimensional numerical model has been developed and applied in this study. This electrical/thermal model is based on the energy balance of the CPV/T receiver in order to calculate the net thermal and electrical output energy. A comparison between the numerical results and those obtained by experimental studies is presented in order to prove the viability of our developed model. The results show that the output power predicted by the numerical model has a good agreement with the experimental data with low mean percentage errors. Indeed, the effects of several parameters on the performance of the system were examined and discussed in details. The simulation process has allowed evaluating the power generation of the CPV/T system and performing a comprehensive economic analysis study under Chambery and Tunisia conditions. The CPV/T system has proven its viability and feasibility especially in regions with high solar radiation

Assessment viability of a Concentrating Photovoltaic/Thermal-energy cogeneration system (CPV/T) with storage for a textile industry application

International audienceIn this paper, a simulation model of a Concentrating Photovoltaic Thermal-energy cogeneration system (CPV/T) is investigated in order to evaluate its thermal and electrical performances for hot water loads referring to a textile industry application. Simultaneous production of electrical and high-grade thermal energy is provided with a CPV/T system at high temperature. The electrical and thermal performances of the system operating in Monastir city, Tunisia, are numerically investigated. Using our developed simulation, the heat and electrical power of the system have been analyzed for four typical days of the year. Furthermore, the effect of water flow rate, the outlet fluid temperature and the loss coefficient of the collector have been involved to identify their impact on the output power. The simulation process led to evaluate the energy feasibility of the CPV/T system and a comprehensive economic analysis study of the system under investigation was performed proving its viability in comparison with the conventional one