Numerical estimation of a water optical filtering solar compound parabolic concentration PV/thermal device

Optical filtering photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) technologies can solve the problem of low utilization efficiency of solar PV power to a certain extent. The main contribution of this paper is the proposal and feasibility evaluation of a water optical filtering solar compound parabolic concentration photovoltaic/thermal (CPC-PVT) device by using numerical method. Relevant experimental results are used for the validation of the numerical model of the CPC-PVT device. The simulation results show that when the direct incident solar intensity is 990.0 W/m², the electric power, overall electric, and thermal efficiencies of the CPC-PVT device are 123.5 W, 11.6%, and 63.3%, and the average PV cell temperature is about 307.65 K. The optical analysis results reveal that the CPC-PVT device has a satisfactory adaptability on solar tracking error. The usage of vortex generator can improve the PV performance of the CPC-PVT device. By using Ag/water nanofluid as the optical filter, the thermal performance of the CPC-PVT device can be enhanced. Parametric analysis results of the CPC-PVT device show that the increase in the volume flow rate of inlet water and environmental temperature or the proper decrease in the inlet water temperature can enhance the thermal performance of the CPC-PVT device. The average PV module (PVM) temperature can be reduced by increasing the volume flow rate of inlet water, or by decreasing the inlet water and environmental temperatures. A water optical filtering solar CPC-PVT device is designed.Double water flow channel configuration is used in the CPC-PVT device.Technical feasibility of the CPC-PVT device is evaluated by using numerical simulations. A water optical filtering solar CPC-PVT device is designed. Double water flow channel configuration is used in the CPC-PVT device. Technical feasibility of the CPC-PVT device is evaluated by using numerical simulations.