Performance Studies of Photovoltaic Air Collector with Aluminum Foam Fins

Introduction. Photovoltaic thermal collectors are a promising technology capable of gene­rating electricity and recovering heat energy. However, the operating temperatures of photovoltaic cells are typically too high for efficient operation. One way to mitigate this problem is to use phase materials and conductive structures as an approach to improving thermal regulation and overall efficiency. Aim of the Study. This paper aims to evaluate the suitability of aluminum foam fins and phase materials in improving the performance of an air-cooled photovoltaic collector and, more importantly, the impact of these materials on thermal and electrical yields. An aluminum foam frame was fabricated and placed on the back of a solar panel to serve as a heat dissipation medium. Materials and Methods. To ensure consistency in experimental tests, experimental tests were conducted under both summer and winter operating conditions, and performance parameters were tested and compared with available studies to determine reliability. Results. The results revealed that the overall performance of the photovoltaic thermal collector ranged from 43.07 to 50.35% in summer and from 47.94 to 51.53% in winter. These results demonstrate that the incorporation of aluminum foam fins has a significant impact on thermal management and energy conversion efficiency compared to conventional photovoltaic thermal systems. Discussion and Conclusion. In summary, this study demonstrates that photovoltaic thermal air collectors with phased materials represent a practical and effective approach to renewable energy practices, offering improved operational stability and increased energy production. The study also demonstrates the potential of hybrid photovoltaic thermal systems as a platform for sustainable energy development.