Performance Evaluation of a Hybrid Thermal-Photovoltaic Panel

A theoretical and experimental analysis of a thermal-photovoltaic panel, whose purpose is to produce both electrical and thermal energies, has been performed. In order to achieve the main objective, the different components that constitute the thermal-photovoltaic panel have been studied and a simulation model of the thermal-photovoltaic panel has been developed. Furthermore, a prototype of the whole system consisting of a commercial panel, the thermal and electrical circuits, and an innovative wireless remote data acquisition system has been setup. The latter, based on an open-source electronic platform, has the necessary accuracy, and remote data capture and flexibility features. The model has been carefully calibrated and the simulated results, based on the solar irradiance, the ambient temperature, and the wind speed have been compared with experimental data. The results are analyzed and discussed in this paper. Such a validated model can be used to establish if and when it is more convenient to use a hybrid structure rather than two separate devices (photovoltaic only and thermal collector only).