Geometry optimization of the solar micro-channel PV/T evaporator based on regional differentiation in China

Mengqi Peng; Liao Jiao; Tao Zhang; Jinming Zhai; Zhengrong Shi; Jingyong Cai

Results in Engineering (Jun 2024)

Geometry optimization of the solar micro-channel PV/T evaporator based on regional differentiation in China

Mengqi Peng,
Liao Jiao,
Tao Zhang,
Jinming Zhai,
Zhengrong Shi,
Jingyong Cai

Affiliations

Mengqi Peng: College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 201306, PR China
Liao Jiao: Shanghai Institute of Special Equipment Inspection and Technical Research, Shanghai, 200062, PR China
Tao Zhang: College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 201306, PR China; Shanghai Non-carbon Energy Conversion and Utilization Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, PR China; Corresponding author. College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 201306, PR China.
Jinming Zhai: College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 201306, PR China
Zhengrong Shi: College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 201306, PR China; Shanghai Non-carbon Energy Conversion and Utilization Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
Jingyong Cai: College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 201306, PR China; Shanghai Non-carbon Energy Conversion and Utilization Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China; Corresponding author. College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 201306, PR China.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 22
p. 102303

Abstract

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Introducing micro-channel (MC) to photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) evaporator can significantly improve the utilization efficiency of solar energy. However, the regional performance difference of a MC-PV/T evaporator and the superheat degree demand of a compressor are usually ignored. In this study, the performance of a fixed-size MC-PV/T evaporator is first analyzed under typical meteorological day data. In particular, five representative cities with different solar resource levels in China are involved. Secondly, the geometries of a MC-PV/T evaporator under the above five cities are optimized by innovatively involving the suction superheat degree. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to enumerate the priority of operating parameters. The results indicate that the suitability of the fixed-size MC-PV/T evaporator in different regions is poor. The refrigerant's superheat degree can partially express the coupling effect of solar radiation and ambient. The optimum diameter and length of the micro-channel in different regions decrease with increasing solar radiation and ambient temperature, their values range between 1.6 and 3.2 mm and 1.67–3.76 m, respectively. Overall, the evaporator performance is mainly determined by the refrigerant's mass flow rate, and its average sensitivity coefficient is 1.97. The influences of the evaporation temperature and the inlet dryness are both slight, only 0.35 and 0.13, respectively.

Published in Results in Engineering

ISSN: 2590-1230 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Technology
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/results-in-engineering

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