Thermal modelling of N partially covered photovoltaic thermal (PVT) - Compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) collectors connected in series

In the present study, the thermal energy balance equations have been taken for N partially covered photovoltaic thermal compound parabolic concentrator collectors (N-PVT-CPC) connected in series. An analytical mathematical expression for Nth outlet water temperature (T-foN) and efficiency of solar cell at Nth collector (eta(cN)) have been derived in terms of climate and design parameters. Numerical computations have been carried out for two Indian climatic condition namely (a) January (winter) and (b) June (summer), respectively. Effect of number of PVT-CPC collectors connected in series, mass flow rate and the percentage of PV coverage on various temperatures, an overall thermal energy and overall exergy have been carried. It has been observed that an overall exergy of proposed system is maximum for winter condition due to less thermal losses. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.