Dynamic modeling of a flat-plate photovoltaic/thermal collector

To investigate the performance of photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collectors, the steady-state model is not sufficient. Therefore, a dynamic model of the PV/T collector is required to capture the PV/T electrical and thermal output variation throughout the day. This article presents a dynamic model of a water type flat-plate PV/T collector. The model can be used to carry out in depth analysis of the PV/T transient thermal and electrical performance. It is developed based on the energy analysis of each component of the PV/T collector. The energy balance equations are solved by employing an explicit Runge-Kutta method using MATLAB program. The model is then validated with an experimental work. The thermal and electrical performance of a certain PV/T collector on a typical summer day is investigated under the hot and humid weather conditions of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. A parametric study is also performed in order to study the effect of various parameters, namely: the inclination angle of the PV/T collector, the thermal conductance of the adhesive layer between the PV cells and the absorber plate, and the water mass flow rate.