Numerical Study of Conjugate Heat Transfer in a BIPV-Thermal System

This paper presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study of a building-integrated photovoltaic thermal (BIPV/T) system, which generates both electricity and thermal energy. The conjugate heat transfer in the BIPV/T system cavity is studied with a 2-D CFD model. The k-ε model is used to simulate the turbulent flow and convective heat transfer in the cavity, in addition to buoyancy effect. Longwave radiation between boundary surfaces is also modeled. Experimental measurements taken in a full scale outdoor test facility at Concordia University are generally in good agreement with the CFD model. Average and local convective heat transfer coefficients are generated and PV panel average temperature and local cell temperatures are calculated and compared with the experimental data.