Numerical study of a solar PV/thermal collector under several conditions in Algeria

The concept of a hybrid panel has been proposed as a solution to the problem of photovoltaic (PV) cells overheating, with the goal of increasing their electrical efficiency. This study used numerical analysis to examine the effects of several parameters on this kind of solar PV panel's efficiency. These parameters include solar radiation, ambient temperature, mass flow rate, and the temperature of the inlet water used as a coolant in the serpentine tubes. The model equations were solved using iterative methods and a FORTRAN programme to calculate the solar radiation, system temperatures and thus the efficiency of the electrical and thermal of the PV/T in M’Sila, Algeria, comparing the numerical results with some experimental data obtained by other authors under the same conditions. The numerical results indicate that when the surrounding temperature is around 42°C and solar radiation of 1100 W/m², with cooling water mass flow rate of 300 L/h, the average cell temperature decreases by 22°C and the electrical efficiency increases by approximately 3.1%. <strong>Received: 23 June 2024 </strong> <strong>Accepted: 26 August 2024 </strong> <strong>Published: 18 September 2024</strong>