Feasibility study of Solar Photovoltaic Thermal (PV/T) water collector in the local environment (Perth)

Al Balushi, Ateef Yousuf (2018) Feasibility study of Solar Photovoltaic Thermal (PV/T) water collector in the local environment (Perth). Honours thesis, Murdoch University.

Abstract

This paper provided a feasibility study of solar photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) water collector in the local environment (Perth) and compare it to solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar water heating system. A hybrid photovoltaic/ thermal system is an integrated system, which can produce both heat and electricity simultaneously. The electrical and thermal performance of PV/T for the climate of Perth are analysed experimentally and by using Polysun simulation software. Thermal and electrical performances of three systems were studied under different water mass flow rates. The results illustrated that water circulation through the PV/T collector decreases the overall temperature of the solar cells and the results showed a significant improvement on the electrical output of the system. Additionally, with the increase of mass flow rate the thermal efficiency increases as well. Furthermore, a PV/T system is designed for residential use in Perth and simulated by using Polysun simulation software. Power output of the system alongside its economic feasibility is presented. In this report, PV/T systems are defined as a base case and solar thermal flat plate collector, solar photovoltaic system and combined flat plate collector with PV system are examined under 11 cases with different scenarios. Electrical and thermal performance, rooftop area requirements and economic feasibility of these different solar energy technologies are presented. The results indicated that each system showed a different economic feasibility depending on the demand of either electricity, heat or a combination of both.

Item Type:	Thesis (Honours)
Murdoch Affiliation:	School of Engineering and Information Technology
United Nations SDGs:	Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Goal 13: Climate Action
Supervisor(s):	Parlevliet, David
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/44811

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