Thermo-Energetic Parametric Assessment of PV/T Cooling Technologies: Implications for Energy Yield, Economic Savings and CO2 Reduction

Abstract

Growing societal energy demand has increased the consumption of non-renewable resources, causing resource depletion as well as environmental, economic, and human health concerns. In this context, the transition to renewable energy systems has become essential. Photovoltaic panels integrated with electrical energy storage are among the most promising alternatives to fossil-fuel-based power generation. However, the rise in the photovoltaic panel temperature significantly reduces their efficiency, which remains a major limitation. This study addresses this issue through a theoretical parametric analysis of four photovoltaic-thermal cooling methods: water-based photovoltaic-thermal system, nanofluid-based photovoltaic-thermal system, phase change material photovoltaic-thermal system, and nano-phase change material photovoltaic-thermal system. Minimum and maximum interval boundaries of relative efficiency enhancement values collected from the literature were used to estimate the potential energy gains, economic savings, and carbon dioxide emission reductions under the climatic conditions of Tyre and Baalbek, Lebanon. The results revealed a strong influence of climate, with Baalbek consistently outperforming coastal Tyre because of its higher solar irradiation. Among all systems, nano-phase change material photovoltaic-thermal system achieved the best energetic, economic, and environmental performance. In July, under Baalbek conditions, it reached 100.06 kWh/m 2 energy enhancement, 43.86 USD/m 2 savings, and 55.61 kg/m 2 carbon dioxide reduction. Normalizing the results per unit photovoltaic panel area also provided a scalable assessment tool for stakeholders.