Optimizing PV/T collector performance using coupled solid and porous layer configurations

Abstract Recent research on photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collectors has focused on two key strategies to enhance performance: geometric modifications of the thermal flow channel (such as fins, baffles, and ribbed structures) and the integration of advanced materials like phase change materials (PCMs) and porous media to improve heat transfer and overall efficiency. In this direction, this numerical study investigates the performance enhancement of a photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar collector through the integration of a solid layer along the lower wall of the airflow channel, coupled with a porous medium. The solid layer is introduced to accelerate the airflow and intensify convective heat transfer, thereby improving the thermal management of the photovoltaic cells. To solve the governing transport equations, an in-house computational code was developed in the Fortran programming language based on the finite volume method, coupled with the SIMPLER algorithm. The effects of solid-layer thickness and length, porous-layer thickness, and Darcy number are systematically investigated under a constant Reynolds number (Re = 500) and a uniform heat flux of 1000 W/m². The obtained results show that increasing the solid-layer thickness significantly enhances airflow acceleration and leads to a pronounced reduction in PV cell temperature of up to 33 °C. Extending the solid-layer length further improves the convective cooling process and increases both electrical and thermal efficiencies. When combined with a sufficiently permeable porous layer, additional performance gains are achieved, particularly at high Darcy numbers (Da = 10 − 1 ). Compared to a conventional PV/T collector, the optimized configuration demonstrates enhancements of up to 60% in thermal efficiency and 28% in electrical efficiency.