Experimental analysis of thermal performance of a photovoltaic - thermal hybrid solar collector (PVT) with wavy channel

The electrical efficiency of photovoltaic panels is significantly compromised by rising operating temperatures, a key challenge for solar energy generation. Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems address this limitation by actively cooling the panel, thereby recovering waste heat and enhancing overall energy output. This study presents an experimental investigation into the performance of a water-cooled PVT system integrated with wavy copper channels, aiming to quantify the impact of channel geometry and flow rate on thermal and electrical efficiencies. Specifically, three configurations were compared: a straight tube and two wavy tubes with pitches of 200 mm (W-200) and 300 mm (W-300). The results indicated that the wavy channels, particularly W-200, significantly enhance heat transfer. While this led to a higher pressure drop, the thermal benefits were substantial. The W-200 configuration reduced the panel’s temperature most effectively, resulting in an electrical efficiency gain of approximately 14%. Furthermore, the performance improved with higher flow rates, with 800 mLmin −1 rate yielding the highest overall efficiency up to 50%. Ultimately, the findings confirm that optimizing channel geometry through wavy designs, coupled with an appropriate flow rate, provides a robust and practical strategy for markedly improving the combined energy output of PVT systems.