A Photovoltaic/PV cell converts solar radiation to electrical power. In order to have practical power output from these cells they are framed into modules. A typical module provides about 160–200 Wp. The electrical efficiency of the module decreases from its typical value of 19% by about 0.4–0.5% per degree K/°C. In order to increase the electrical efficiency of a PV system it is possible to cool the modules down by augmenting compact heat exchangers with a working fluid (e.g., air). The extracted heat can have several applications and through cooling the PV modules we can increase the efficiency of the system by about 30–40%, combined (i.e., heat and power). Two design concepts are presented and supported by CFD models. Prototypes of these systems are fabricated and installed and experimental investigations of their performances are currently in progress.

Volume Subject Area:
Photovoltaics
Keywords:
solar power, solar thermal, PVT, combined heat and power, CHP, compact heat exchanger, BIPV
Topics:
Design, Heat exchangers, Combined heat and power, Electrical efficiency, Heat, Computational fluid dynamics, Cooling, Electricity (Physics), Engineering prototypes, Fluids, Photovoltaic power systems, Solar energy, Solar power, Solar radiation
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