A Simulation Analysis on Thermal Performance of Air-Type PVT Collector with Diversity of Baffles
Abstract
Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) collector is a type of solar collector that produces electricity and uses heat from the backside of PV simultaneously for space heating. In particular, air type PVT has the benefit of being easily managed and can be used directly for heating in buildings. Baffle is installed in the heat-collecting layer of the PVT collector to increase the velocity and flow path of air inside the collector. As a result, it can be used to improve the performance of the PVT collector. In this study, effect of different baffle types on thermal performance of air type PVT collector was analyzed using NX simulation program. The design variables used for analysis were square, triangle, and bent (using absorb plate) type of baffles of collector. The outlet temperature rose by 3-6oC when the shape of the baffles changed from square to triangular to bent type. Also, the thermal efficiency of the collector with the absorber plate increased by 11.3% compared to the collector without baffle.