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Experimental Testing and Seasonal Performance Assessment of a Stationary and Sun-Tracked Photovoltaic–Thermal System

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  • Ewa Kozak-Jagieła

    (Department of Energy, Cracow University of Technology, al. Jana Pawła II 37, 31-864 Kraków, Poland)

  • Piotr Cisek

    (Department of Energy, Cracow University of Technology, al. Jana Pawła II 37, 31-864 Kraków, Poland)

  • Adam Pawłowski

    (Department of Energy, Cracow University of Technology, al. Jana Pawła II 37, 31-864 Kraków, Poland)

  • Jan Taler

    (Department of Energy, Cracow University of Technology, al. Jana Pawła II 37, 31-864 Kraków, Poland)

  • Paweł Albrechtowicz

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, ul. Warszawska 24, 31-155 Kraków, Poland)

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of the annual performances of stationary and dual-axis sun-tracked photovoltaic–thermal (PVT) systems. The experimental research was conducted at a demonstration site in Oświęcim, Poland, where both systems were evaluated in terms of electricity and heat production. The test installation consisted of thirty stationary PVT modules and five dual-axis sun-tracking systems, each equipped with six PV modules. An innovative cooling system was developed for the PVT modules, consisting of a surface-mounted heat sink installed on the rear side of each panel. The system includes embedded tubes through which a cooling fluid circulates, enabling efficient heat recovery. The results indicated that the stationary PVT system outperformed a conventional fixed PV installation, whose expected output was estimated using PVGIS data. Specifically, the stationary PVT system generated 26.1 kWh/m 2 more electricity annually, representing a 14.8% increase. The sun-tracked PVT modules yielded even higher gains, producing 42% more electricity than the stationary system, with particularly notable improvements during the autumn and winter seasons. After accounting for the electricity consumed by the tracking mechanisms, the sun-tracked PVT system still delivered a 34% higher net electricity output. Moreover, it enhanced the thermal energy output by 85%. The findings contribute to the ongoing development of high-performance PVT systems and provide valuable insights for their optimal deployment in various climatic conditions, supporting the broader integration of renewable energy technologies in building energy systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Ewa Kozak-Jagieła & Piotr Cisek & Adam Pawłowski & Jan Taler & Paweł Albrechtowicz, 2025. "Experimental Testing and Seasonal Performance Assessment of a Stationary and Sun-Tracked Photovoltaic–Thermal System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:15:p:4064-:d:1714455
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chao Zhou & Ruobing Liang & Jili Zhang, 2017. "Optimization Design Method and Experimental Validation of a Solar PVT Cogeneration System Based on Building Energy Demand," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-20, August.
    2. Vassiliades, C. & Barone, G. & Buonomano, A. & Forzano, C. & Giuzio, G.F. & Palombo, A., 2022. "Assessment of an innovative plug and play PV/T system integrated in a prefabricated house unit: Active and passive behaviour and life cycle cost analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 186(C), pages 845-863.
    3. Cong Jiao & Zeyu Li, 2023. "An Updated Review of Solar Cooling Systems Driven by Photovoltaic–Thermal Collectors," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-34, July.
    4. Saeed Abdul-Ganiyu & David A Quansah & Emmanuel W Ramde & Razak Seidu & Muyiwa S. Adaramola, 2020. "Investigation of Solar Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Performance: A Case Study in Ghana," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-17, May.
    5. Madalina Barbu & Monica Siroux & George Darie, 2023. "Performance Analysis and Comparison of an Experimental Hybrid PV, PVT and Solar Thermal System Installed in a Preschool in Bucharest, Romania," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-14, July.
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