Computational Fluid Dynamics Study on Utilize Triangular Ribs for Improved Thermal and Electrical Output in Air‐Based Photovoltaic/Thermal Solar System

ABSTRACT Photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems are increasingly studied to overcome the efficiency limitations of stand‐alone photovoltaic modules by simultaneously generating electrical and thermal energy. However, conventional designs with smooth or basic ribbed channels still suffer from high operating temperatures that degrade electrical performance and limit overall energy yield. This study addresses this gap by examining the effect of triangular ribs in the airflow channel of an air‐based PV/T system to improve turbulence, convective heat transfer, and boost combined thermal and electrical efficiency. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model based on the finite volume method was developed to simulate two‐dimensional, steady‐state turbulent flow and heat transfer under solar irradiance levels of 600–1000 W/m² and Reynolds numbers ranging from 5000 to 25,000. The analysis evaluated Nusselt number enhancement, pressure drop, electrical efficiency, and thermal efficiency for ribbed and smooth channel configurations. The results demonstrate that triangular ribs significantly increase the average Nusselt number, up to three times higher than smooth channels at Re = 25,000, though with a corresponding rise in friction factor and pumping power. At 1000 W/m² and a mass flow rate of 0.45 kg/s, the ribbed PV/T system achieved a thermal efficiency of up to 80% and an electrical efficiency of 13.9%, compared to 50% and 13.6%, respectively, for the smooth channel. Moreover, the ribbed system generated about 117 W of electrical power under high irradiance, outperforming smooth and uncooled modules. These findings confirm that triangular ribs are a promising passive enhancement technique for improving thermal management and overall energy conversion in air‐based PV/T systems.