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Numerical optimization and performance study of a photovoltaic/thermal module based on multi-stage V-type turbulators

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  • Zhang, Yong
  • Zhao, Yang
  • Zhang, Heng
  • Cheng, Chao
  • Gao, Dan
  • Chen, Haiping
  • Liu, Jizhen

Abstract

The utilization of solar energy is one of the important ways to ensure low-carbon energy transformation, and PV/T technology, as an efficient technology for utilizing solar energy, has received widespread attention in recent years. This paper proposes a photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) module based on a multi-stage V-type turbulator, and explores the optimization design of the system through numerical simulation and experimental research. To improve thermal and electrical efficiency, the paper integrates a turbulence-enhancing V-type turbulator design and utilizes a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model for detailed system analysis. Experimental results show that the optimized PV/T system achieves a 9 %–12 % increase in electrical efficiency compared to conventional PV systems under standard solar irradiance conditions, with overall system efficiency exceeding 65 %. Through optimization using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the optimal turbulator design parameters were determined to be an angle α of 60°, an inclination angle β of 61.1°and a distance D of 0 mm. This article also compared three conventional channels to verify the heat transfer performance of the multi-stage V-shaped vortex generator PV/T.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Yong & Zhao, Yang & Zhang, Heng & Cheng, Chao & Gao, Dan & Chen, Haiping & Liu, Jizhen, 2025. "Numerical optimization and performance study of a photovoltaic/thermal module based on multi-stage V-type turbulators," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 252(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:252:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125012212
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123559
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    References listed on IDEAS

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