Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) Literature Review

^[1]This paper provides a literature review on PVT systems. Any additional knowledge is appreciated.

Hybrid Solar: A Review on Photovoltaic and Thermal Power Integration

• Citatation

T. T. Chow, G. N. Tiwari, C. Menezo, "Hybrid Solar: A Review on Photovoltaic and Thermal Power Integration", International Journal of Photoenergy, vol. 2012, Article ID 307287, 17 pages, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/307287

• Abstract

The market of solar thermal and photovoltaic electricity generation is growing rapidly. New ideas on hybrid solar technology evolve for a wide range of applications, such as in buildings, processing plants, and agriculture. In the building sector in particular, the limited building space for the accommodation of solar devices has driven a demand on the use of hybrid solar technology for the multi-generation of active power and/or passive solar devices. The importance is escalating with the worldwide trend on the development of low-carbon/zero-energy buildings. Hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) collector systems had been studied theoretically, numerically, and experimentally in depth in the past decades. Together with alternative means, a range of innovative products and systems has been put forward. The final success of the integrative technologies relies on the coexistence of robust product design/construction and reliable system operation/maintenance in the long run to satisfy the user needs. This paper gives a broad review on the published academic works, with an emphasis placed on the research and development activities in the last decade.

• Key Takeaways

Advanced cooling techniques of P.V. modules: A state of art

• Citation

P. Dwivedi, K. Sudhakar, A. Soni, E. Solomin, and I. Kirpichnikova, “Advanced cooling techniques of P.V. modules: A state of art,” Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, vol. 21, p. 100674, Oct. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.csite.2020.100674.

• Abstract

The efficiency of solar systems, in particular photovoltaic panels, is generally low. The output of the P.V. module is adversely affected by their surface rise in temperature. This increase is associated with the absorbed sunlight that is converted into heat, resulting in reduced power output, energy efficiency, performance and life of the panel. The use of cooling techniques can offer a potential solution to avoid excessive heating of P.V. panels and to reduce cell temperature. This paper presents details of various feasible cooling methods, including novel and advanced solutions for P.V. panels and indicates future trends of research. Different features and capability about each cooling techniques are presented, to provide better insight and valuable guidelines for researchers who intend to study, improve or optimize any type of cooling techniques of P⋅V. modules

• Key Takeaways

Futuristic approach for thermal management in solar PV/thermal systems with possible applications

• Citation

A. Chauhan, V. V. Tyagi, and S. Anand, “Futuristic approach for thermal management in solar PV/thermal systems with possible applications,” Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 163, pp. 314–354, May 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.enconman.2018.02.008.

• Abstract

This paper aims to present a futuristic review on the potential of photovoltaic-thermal or PV/T systems in a wide spectrum for the efficient utilization of solar radiation through well engineered hybrid PV/T systems. These hybrid PV/T system-based technology is just 30 years old which had gained significant attention from the researchers and academicians all over the world in a recent decade. The word PV/T is composed of [PV (photovoltaic) + T (thermal)] i.e. the simultaneous production of heat and electricity in an integrated manner thus paving the way towards improving the overall energy efficiency of the system. It is a sort of co-generation technology so that the issue of low efficiency associated with existing PV technology can be impact fully addressed. It provides an opportunity for the efficient utilizing of solar radiation which is eventually dissipated as waste heat in the PV cells causing decrease in the efficiency of the PV cells. This paper covers an extensive overview of the most recent trends and useful technologies available for thermal management in PV/T collectors in a categorical manner i.e. air based, liquid based, phase change material (PCM) based and heat pipe based along with wide range of possible applications in building, solar distillation /desalination and thermoelectric generators & heat pumps. The paper also covers economical aspects like payback period, concept of Net Present Value (NPV) and exergo-economic & enviro-economic parameters for the economic assessment of the PV/T systems. The results are being tabulated for visual understanding of the different techniques being reviewed. The paper also identifies the potential role of PV/T systems to mitigate emission challenges particularly with respect to building.

• Key takeaways

A review of solar hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) collectors and systems

• Citation

Herrando, M., Wang, K., Huang, G., Otanicar, T., Mousa, O. B., Agathokleous, R. A., Ding, Y., Kalogirou, S., Ekins-Daukes, N., Taylor, R. A., & Markides, C. N. (2023). A review of solar hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) collectors and systems. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 97, 101072. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pecs.2023.101072

• Abstract

In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in hybrid PV-T collectors and the wider systems within which they can be implemented, and assess the worldwide energy and carbon mitigation potential of these systems. We cover both experimental and computational studies, identify opportunities for performance enhancement, pathways for collector innovation, and implications of their wider deployment at the solar-generation system level. First, we classify and review the main types of PV-T collectors, including air-based, liquid-based, dual air–water, heat-pipe, building integrated and concentrated PV-T collectors. This is followed by a presentation of performance enhancement opportunities and pathways for collector innovation. Here, we address state-of-the-art design modifications, next-generation PV cell technologies, selective coatings, spectral splitting and nanofluids. Beyond this, we address wider PV-T systems and their applications, comprising a thorough review of solar combined heat and power (S–CHP), solar cooling, solar combined cooling, heat and power (S–CCHP), solar desalination, solar drying and solar for hydrogen production systems. This includes a specific review of potential performance and cost improvements and opportunities at the solar generation system level in thermal energy storage, control and demand-side management. Subsequently, a set of the most promising PV-T systems is assessed to analyse their carbon mitigation potential and how this technology might fit within pathways for global decarbonization. It is estimated that the REmap baseline emission curve can be reduced by more than 16% in 2030 if the uptake of solar PV-T technologies can be promoted. Finally, the review turns to a critical examination of key challenges for the adoption of PV-T technology and recommendations.

Review on photovoltaic/thermal hybrid solar collectors: Classifications, applications and new systems

• Citation

Herez, A., Hage, H. E., Lemenand, T., Ramadan, M., & Khaled, M. (2020). Review on photovoltaic/thermal hybrid solar collectors: Classifications, applications and new systems. Solar Energy, 207, 1321–1347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2020.07.062

• Abstract

The continuous aggravation of environmental pollutions and the rapid increase in the conventional sources of energy price advocated scientists to search for solutions such as heat recovery and continual sources of energy. One of the most distinguished types of renewable energy is solar energy which is neat, free and environmentally friendly renewable energy. Indeed, there are several solar energy systems that need to be studied. At the same time, combining solar energy systems is a trend these days which aims to optimize the benefits from solar radiations. Photovoltaic/Thermal (PVT) hybrid solar system is obtained by combining solar thermal collectors and solar photovoltaics to enable a simultaneous generation of electricity and production of heat. The target of this paper is to proffer a review on PVT hybrid solar collectors which comprises the history of PVT hybrid solar systems, main concept, benefits and classifications according to various manners in addition to integration of thermoelectric generators with PVT system.

• Key take aways

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