Validation of the numerical model of a concentrated photovoltaic-thermal hybrid collector using TRNSYS

Abstract

In a global climate context, an agreement has been reached to triple the world's renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030. Solar energy is playing a key role in this process. In fact, solar systems, especially concentrated photovoltaic thermal (CPVT) systems, have received particular attention due to their efficiency and the diversity of their applications. The aim of the present work is to validate a numerical model for a CPVT hybrid collector, using TRNSYS simulations based on experimental results. Different simulations have been carried out for various solar irradiances, ambient temperatures, temperatures and flow rates of the heat transfer fluid in the collector. Thermal and electrical powers, considered as validation variables, were obtained. The results show good agreement between the model developed and the experimental results, with mean errors of 4.10% and 6.74% for electrical and thermal power, respectively. We conclude that the CPVT collector model on TRNSYS generates realistic result.