Computational Fluid Dynamics Optimization of a Heat Exchanger Design for Photovoltaic Thermal Retrofit Applications
Abstract
This paper investigates the geometrical optimization of a heat exchanger designed for retrofitting photovoltaic (PV) panels into PV-thermal (PVT) collectors to enhance their electrical efficiency and harness residual heat for supplementary purposes. Through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations in Ansys-Fluent and Ansys Steady-state Thermal, an initial model is analyzed and optimized to develop three alternative models with improved electrical and thermal performance. The study focuses on varying geometrical aspects of the heat exchanger to evaluate their impact on defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including pressure drop and fluid temperature gain. The results show that the increase in thermal efficiency may compromise homogeneous thermal flow distribution, emphasizing the need for a balance between thermal efficiency and uniform cooling distribution. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing thermal management designs in PV panel retrofit applications, contributing to advancing PV and PVT technologies and systems.