INVESTIGATION OF THE THERMAL EFFICIENCY OF A HYBRID THERMAL-PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR COLLECTOR

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35546/kntu2078-4481.2025.1.1.37

Keywords:

hybrid thermal photovoltaic solar collector; hybrid power supply system, thermal efficiency, electrical efficiency, solar radiation, energy supply

Abstract

The article investigates the efficiency of using a hybrid thermal photovoltaic solar collector (HTPSC) in a heating system. The main objective of the study is to analyze the key parameters that determine the thermal efficiency of the hybrid solar collector, as well as to examine its design for enhancing thermal performance. The study discusses the main challenges associated with the use of traditional energy sources and the necessity of transitioning to renewable energy in accordance with European environmental initiatives. It is determined that modern photovoltaic panels convert only 15–20 % of the absorbed solar energy into electricity, while the rest is lost as heat. This necessitates the development of innovative solutions to improve the overall efficiency of energy supply systems, particularly by enhancing hybrid solar collectors. A series of experiments were conducted to analyze the impact of key factors–solar radiation intensity, collector tilt angle, and heat transfer fluid mass flow rate – on the thermal and electrical efficiency of the HTPSC. The results confirm that as radiation intensity increases, the thermal efficiency of the solar collector decreases. It was found that the use of solar radiation concentrators and effective thermal insulation helps to reduce heat losses and improve the system’s overall efficiency. Based on the research findings, structural solutions for hybrid collectors are proposed to enhance solar energy conversion efficiency and ensure more stable energy supply. The implementation of such technologies will contribute to reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and achieving sustainable development goals.

References

European Commision. (2019). The European Green Deal: Striving to be the first climate-neutral continent. – https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en

Clean energy for all Europeans package. 2019. – https://energy.ec.europa.eu/ topics/energy-strategy/clean-energyall-europeans-package_en

Communication from the commission to the European Parliament, the council, the European economic and social committee, the committee of the regions and the European Investment Bank a framework strategy for a resilient energy union with a forward-looking climate change policy /* com/2015/080 final */. – https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2015:80:FIN

The 2030 climate and energy framevork. – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/climate-change/2030-climate-and-energy-framework/

Fit for 55. – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/green-deal/fit-for-55-the-eu-plan-for-a-green-transition

Establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulations (EC) No. 401/2009, and (EU) 2018/1999 (European Climate Law). June 30, 2021. – https://eur-lex.europa.eu /legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32021 R1119

European Commision. (2019). REPowerEU: affordable, secure and sustainable energy for Europe. – https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal/repowereu-affordablesecure-and-sustainable-energy-europe_en

Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A/RES/70/1. United Nations. – https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/21252030%20Agenda%20for%20Sustainable%20Development%20web.pdf

Paris Agreement. United Nations, 2015. – https://treaties.un.org/doc/Treaties/ 2016/02/20160215%200603%20PM/Ch_XXVII-7-d.pdf

Міндовкілля: Війна росії проти України пришвидшує зміну клімату та спричиняє збільшення викидів парникових газів. – https://www.kmu.gov.ua/ news/mindovkillia-viina-rosii-proty-ukrainy-pryshvydshuie-zminu-klimatuta-sprychyniaie-zbilshennia-vykydiv-parnykovykh-haziv

Stec M., Grzebyk M. (2022) Statistical Analysis of the Level of Development of Renewable Energy Sources in the Countries of the European Union. Energies, 15, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15218278

Cantarero M. M. V. (2020) Of renewable energy, energy democracy, and sustainable development: a roadmap to accelerate the energy transition in developing countries, Energy Res. Social Sci. 70. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101716

Obstawski P., Bakon T., Czekalski D. (2020) Comparison of solar collector testing methods – theory and practice, Processes, 8, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.3390/ pr8111340

Algarni S. (2023) Evaluation and optimization of the performance and efficiency of a hybrid flat plate solar collector integrated with phase change material and heat sink. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering. 45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite. 2023.102892

Francesconi M., Antonelli M., Desideri U. (2023) Assessment of the optical efficiency in solar collectors: Experimental method for a concentrating solar power. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, 40, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep. 2023.101740

Hamdan M. A., Abdelhafez E., Ahmad R., Aboushi A. R. (2014) Solar Thermal Hybrid Heating System, Conference: Energy Sustainability and Water Resource Management for Food Security in the Arab Middle East, December 2014, Beirut, Lebanon, 1–11.

Abdelhafez E. A., Hamdan M. A., and. Al Aboushi A. R. (2016) Simulation of Solar Thermal Hybrid Heating System Using Neural Artificial Network. Conference: 8th International Ege Energy Symposium and Exhibition (IEESE-8), Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, May 2016, 1–6.

Published

2025-02-25