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The present work addresses a critical problem of improving the efficiency of photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) systems in the context of rising global energy demands. The study is aimed at designing and enhancing a nanofluid circulation-based PVT system to improve its thermal management and overall system performance through the introduction of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/ethylene glycol/water nanofluid. The added value is that it integrates a detailed consideration of the operational parameters, namely a nanoparticle concentration of (1 wt.%), and a wide range of flow rates (0.125, 0.150, and 0.175 kg/s), and irradiation (0 to 1000 W/m2), the plate temperature variation (0 to 80°C), and an overall 5E analysis framework (energy, exergy, entropy generation, economics, and environment). The present paper shows that nanofluid cooling leads to a PV surface temperature drop by as much as 24.45°C, i.e. achieving efficiency improvement over the conventional water-cooled PVT scheme by 28.7% in flow rates of 0.175 kg/s and 800 W/m2 irradiation. Cost management and a higher payback period, which feature in economic analysis, indicate long-term profitability in spite of a 10% higher initial outlay. Such environmental assessment using life cycle assessment indicators establishes a carbon footprint that is much smaller (14–130 g CO₂-eq/kWh) than that of alternative fossil fuel resources. The proposed integrated method offers a sound methodology for optimizing the performance of PVT, which will enhance the implementation of renewable energy, owing to the integration of thermal, economic, and environmental results. The results provide definitive recommendations toward earnest action and scale-up of the system as part of the sustainable means of power.
Kazem et al. (Mon,) studied this question.