Performance evaluation of a lightweight acrylic flat plate collector with natural flow integration in a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system

Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) systems have garnered attention for their dual functionality of generating electricity and capturing heat. However, conventional PVT systems often employ bulky metallic pipes with forced fluid circulation, leading to higher initial costs, increased maintenance, and elevated energy consumption. To overcome these challenges, this research introduces a novel lightweight acrylic sheet insulator design utilizing natural water flow as the working fluid. The study explores parameters such as thermal efficiency, electrical efficiency and flow rate to assess system performance. A comprehensive mathematical model based on energy balance equations is developed to predict system behavior. The model demonstrates strong agreement with experimental data, affirming its accuracy. The results reveal a 1.95% improvement in electrical efficiency compared to traditional PV systems. This work provides a foundation for optimizing PVT systems through energy balance modeling and experimental validation, paving the way for more cost-effective and efficient designs.