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Performance analysis of different flow rates and dust accumulation in micro heat pipe PV/T series system

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  • Li, Rui
  • Jia, Zijiao
  • Sun, Xiaohua
  • Li, Jinping
  • Zhai, Panpan
  • Novakovic, Vojislav

Abstract

Photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems have considerable potential in China's northwest regions due to their abundant solar resources. Previous studies have generally improved system performance through increased investment. In contrast, this manuscript focuses on identifying and addressing the primary thermal resistance within the system, which lies between the heat exchanger (HE) and water, without additional financial input. To explore this, we examined how different water flow rates affect the performance of micro heat pipe (M-HP) PV/T systems. Furthermore, since northwestern China is cold and arid with scarce precipitation, we conducted a 10-day dust accumulation test in Lanzhou under dry conditions to mimic real-world weather conditions. Our research revealed that at a flow rate of 0.36 L/s, the thermal conversion efficiency (TCE) and photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) achieved maximum average values of 38.0 % and 15.9 %, respectively, resulting in a total efficiency of 53.9 %. This represents an increase in total efficiency by 7.4 % and 13.5 % compared to flow rates of 0.26 L/s and 0.16 L/s, respectively. Additionally, the average TCE and total efficiency were 0.5 % and 0.7 % higher, respectively, for one day of dust accumulation compared to ten days.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Rui & Jia, Zijiao & Sun, Xiaohua & Li, Jinping & Zhai, Panpan & Novakovic, Vojislav, 2025. "Performance analysis of different flow rates and dust accumulation in micro heat pipe PV/T series system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 241(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:241:y:2025:i:c:s0960148124023772
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.122309
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Li, Rui & Li, Jinping & Zhu, Junjie & Novakovic, Vojislav, 2025. "An in-depth study on the annual performance of acetone and R141b micro heat pipe PV/T systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 341(C).
    2. Kargaran, Mahyar & Zeinali Heris, Saeed & Mousavi, Seyed Borhan & Azarberahman, Saeed, 2025. "MXene-based hybrid nanofluids in pulsating heat pipes: Advanced thermal management for photovoltaic efficiency enhancement and economic analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 339(C).
    3. Hu, Shan & Liu, Yan & Liu, Weidong & Wen, Hailang & Lan, Junjie, 2025. "Assessment methodology for photovoltaic power generation based on multiple random factors of dust deposition," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 250(C).

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