Design and modeling of a photovoltaic thermal collector for domestic air heating and electricity production

Hybrid photovoltaic thermal (or simply PV/T) collectors are devices that simultaneously convert solar energy into electricity and heat. The improving of the electrical efficiency, by reducing the photovoltaic collector's temperature, as well as taking advantage of the thermal energy produced, constitutes the basic idea in the development of hybrid PV/T collectors. A new design of hybrid collectors for air heating is presented in this paper. The theoretical study is carried out through the numerical modeling, and the results of the simulation are integrally developed; witch a prototype is realized. Experimental validation of the mathematical model as well as the study of the thermal and electric performance is detailed. The application of this new design has given a good thermal and electric performance compared to the traditional hybrid collectors. Its simplicity of implementation and its easy integration in buildings make them more competitive. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.