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A novel photovoltaic-photothermal coupling skylight based on spectral complementation conception: System design and performance investigation

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  • Yang, Haotian
  • Liu, Xingjiang
  • Gu, Yaping
  • Shen, Chao

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) window is an effective tool for the utilization of solar energy. Current PV technology only converts limited spectrum into electricity, with the rest energy transmitted into thermal energy, bringing greater secondary heat gain and efficiency decline. This study proposes a novel spectral complementation skylight based on the coupling of cadmium telluride (CdTe) PV glass and antimony tin oxide (ATO) nanofluids. It could realize visible light transmission, heat gain, and electricity generation by spectral complementation. The control experimental results showed that there was a nearly 46.9 °C decline in PV skylight surface temperature after adding ATO nanofluids, indicating its excellent cooling effect that benefitted from the near-infrared interception capability. The annual total energy-saving (Etotal) was positively correlated with the solar radiation and ambient temperature. Regarding the maximum Etotal, 40 % CdTe +20 ppm ATO was higher than single 40 % CdTe by 61.1 %, and 50 % CdTe +20 ppm ATO was higher than white glass +20 ppm ATO by 120 %. Compared with the ordinary skylight, the novel skylight has a remarkable energy-saving effect. It is expected to have a broader application in areas with higher ambient temperatures and more solar radiation to reduce building energy consumption.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang, Haotian & Liu, Xingjiang & Gu, Yaping & Shen, Chao, 2025. "A novel photovoltaic-photothermal coupling skylight based on spectral complementation conception: System design and performance investigation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:243:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125003039
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122641
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