Experimental investigation of a baffled photovoltaic-thermal air collector with SiC nano-embedded thermal paste: A comparative study

This study introduces a novel enhancement to photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) air collectors by integrating fins with silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles-doped thermal paste, a method not previously explored in the literature. The innovation leverages the superior thermal conductivity of SiC nanoparticles to improve heat dissipation, optimizing both electrical and thermal efficiency. Experimental tests were conducted on three configurations: a reference PVT system, a PVT system with fins using regular thermal paste, and a PVT system with fins attached using a SiC nanoparticles-doped thermal paste. The results demonstrated that the SiC-enhanced configuration (PVT-3) achieved the highest average efficiencies: 14.5 % electrical and 75.5 % thermal, outperforming the conventional setup (PVT-1) by 3 % and 25 %, respectively. PVT-3 outperformed PVT-2 by 7.7 % in thermal efficiency and 6.2 % in electrical efficiency. Additionally, PVT-3 showed a superior exergy efficiency of 11.7 %, a normalized power output efficiency (NPOE) of 66.2 %, a performance ratio (PR) of 0.85, and a sustainability index (SI) of 1.1. Economic analysis highlighted a net benefit of €59.17 with a LCOE of €0.0138/kWh and LCOH of €0.0029/kWh, demonstrating its economic feasibility despite a slightly longer payback period compared to the non-nanoparticle system. These findings confirm that integrating SiC nanoparticles into PVT systems enhances heat management, energy output, and economic performance. This study contributes to the development of sustainable energy solutions by improving PVT systems for broader adoption in renewable energy applications.