Enhancement of the performance of the PV Trombe Wall: A short review

Abstract

Renewable energy sources, especially solar energy, can meet part of the global energy needs, especially for domestic uses at present. The combination of Trombe walls and solar cells is currently one of the most extensive research topics and this system is named a Photovoltaic/Trombe wall (PV/TW). A PV/Trombe wall system can simultaneously generate electricity, heat water, and heat homes. The current article discusses studies that have been conducted on this system in several countries over the past few decades. The current review covers the effect of operational parameters including a DC fan that can assist in cooling the solar cells and raising the interior temperature, air gap thickness, and thermal insulation effect. The use of double glazing reduces the temperature of photovoltaic cells and enhances the efficiency of the system. The efficiency of the PV/TW can be improved using porous media, binary fluids, nano-fluids, and phase change materials.

Keywords

• PV Trombe wall
• Performance
• Enhancement
• Review