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Advances in Energy Research Volume 5, Number 1, March 2017 , pages 31-55 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/eri.2017.5.1. |
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Optimization of photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) hybrid collectors by genetic algorithm in Iran |
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Behzad Farshin and M. A. Ehyaei
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| Abstract | ||
| In the present study, PV/T collector was modeled via analysis of governing equations and physics of the problem. Specifications of solar radiation were computed based on geographical characteristics of the location and the corresponding time. Temperature of the collector plate was calculated as a function of time using the energy equations and temperature behavior of the photovoltaic cell was incorporated in the model with the aid of curve fitting. Subsequently, operational range for reaching to maximal efficiency was studied using Genetic Algorithm (GA) technique. Optimization was performed by defining an objective function based on equivalent value of electrical and thermal energies. Optimal values for equipment components were determined. The optimal value of water flow rate was approximately 1 gallon per minute (gpm). The collector angle was around 50 degrees, respectively. By selecting the optimal values of parameters, efficiency of photovoltaic collector was improved about 17% at initial moments of collector operation. Efficiency increase was around 5% at steady condition. It was demonstrated that utilization of photovoltaic collector can improve efficiency of solar energy-based systems. | ||
| Key Words | ||
| solar energy; PV/T collector; photovoltaic cell; genetic algorithm; optimization | ||
| Address | ||
| ran Behzad Farshin: Department of Mechanical Engineering-Energy Conversion, Islamic Azad University, Boroujerd Sciences and Researches Branch, Iran M. A. Ehyaei: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pardis Branch, Islamic Azad University, Pardis New City, Iran | ||
