Energy Performance of Four Prototypes of PVT Collectors. A Comparative Study
Abstract
This work focuses on the energy evaluation of different liquid-based PVT collectors, with the view to obtain a PVT collector able to operate at high temperatures (above 50ºC) with acceptable thermal efficiency. To that end, the use of semi-transparent PV laminates is explored. Four prototypes were developed, tested and evaluated in controlled environment: two models with conventional silicon photovoltaic laminate and two models using a semitransparent photovoltaic laminate. Results show that the glazed PVT with frontal cover models offer better overall energy performance for STC conditions and maintain acceptable thermal efficiencies (30% and 45% depending on the PV laminate) when working at temperatures above 50ºC. Prototypes without frontal cover show good thermal efficiency at STC but present a strong dependency with the operational temperature and wind velocity. Semi-transparent PV laminate remains as an interesting possibility when the PVT collector must operate at high temperature but still needs to produce electricity