Fins vs No Fins: A Comparative Experimental Analysis of Novel Box-Channel Photovoltaic/Thermal Collector Prototypes for Ground Source Heat Pump Integration
Abstract
This study compares the thermal performance of two novel box-channel PVT collectors, assessing the impact of fins in low temperature operating conditions. This work will contribute the understanding of how PVT collectors can be integrated with GSHPs for borehole regeneration in cold climates. The two prototype PVT collectors were tested simultaneously at an outdoor testing facility in Stockholm, Sweden. The outdoor testing environment allows for the analysis of a variety of different weather conditions under different fluid flow rates as well as different roof installations. It was found that the finned PVT collector displayed a potential annual thermal energy output 11% higher than that of the non-finned one at the optimal flow rate of 77 l/h m2. At the optimal flow rate, fluctuations in wind speed also significantly impacted the observed specific thermal energy of the PVTs, mainly the finned PVT collector, with an increase of 93% being observed due to a 2.5 m/s increase in wind speed.