Simulation of thermoelectric-photovoltaic system integrated with various shapes of cooling ducts filled with nanomaterial

Abstract

Incorporating thermoelectric (TE) modules into photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) systems can markedly increase energy output by improving the overall efficiency of energy conversion. This research focused on the design and simulation of a PVT system integrated with a TE module, utilizing ANSYS Fluent. The study assessed four different tube cross-sectional shapes—circular, square, elliptical, and triangular—all with the same cross-sectional areas. Moreover, the investigation included the impact of Cu-alumina/H2O hybrid nanofluid at a 0.024 % volume concentration, fluid inlet velocity (ui), and solar radiation (G) on PV temperature (TPV) and the overall productivity. The outputs showed that the triangular configuration considerably reduced TPV compared to the other shapes. This configuration also generated the highest thermal power, reaching 130.84 W. Additionally, at ui = 0.19 m/s, the unit's thermal efficiency and overall electrical efficiency increased by 0.93 % and 0.22 %, respectively.

Keywords

• Electrical performance
• Photovoltaic/thermal
• Thermoelectric
• Hybrid nanofluid
• Thermal efficiency