Advances in High Efficiency Photovoltaic Thermal Solar Collectors

Abstract

Two solar energy collection systems commonly used are the flat plate collectors and photovoltaic cells. Normally, these two collection systems are used separately. These two systems can be combined together into one compact unit known as photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collectors or sometimes known as hybrid collectors. These special design solar collectors can simultaneously generate both electricity and thermal energy. There are varieties of terrestrial applications for PVT such as building facade integration, window integration, fence / barrier integration, parking lot integration, and etc. The recent applications and advances on high efficiency and cost-effective PVT collectors will be presented. These include the use of advanced heat transfer features such as jet impingement, bifacial solar cells, extended surfaces, optical enhancement and the use of nano fluids. Finally, the way forward for R&D in PVT technology.