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A Numerical Investigation on the Performance and Sustainability Analysis of Conventional and Finned Air-Cooled Solar Photovoltaic Thermal (PV/T) Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Edip Imik

    (Fırat Customs and Foreign Trade Regional Directorate, 44900 Malatya, Türkiye)

  • Mehmet Yilmaz

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Inonu University, 44280 Malatya, Türkiye)

Abstract

The increasing global demand for sustainable energy has increased the importance of solar photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) systems, which simultaneously increase electrical efficiency by removing excess heat and utilizing it for beneficial purposes. Although the addition of fins is generally known to increase efficiency, the influence of Z-finned geometries on PV/T system performance has not yet been fully characterized. In this study, the performance of conventional (PV/T-C) and Z-finned (PV/T-F) air-cooled PV/T systems was numerically investigated through comprehensive energy, exergy, and sustainability analyses. Simulations were conducted using ANSYS Fluent 2025 R1. The results revealed that, compared to the PV/T-C system, the PV/T-F system achieved an increase of 17.18% in overall efficiency. Furthermore, the incorporation of fins enhanced the overall exergy efficiency by 2.57% and improved the sustainability index by 0.32%. The findings demonstrate that Z-shaped fins improve the overall, exergy, and sustainability performances of air-cooled PV/T systems under the climatic conditions of Malatya, Türkiye. This study highlights the critical role of fin geometry in enhancing PV/T system performance and contributes valuable insights for the design of more efficient and sustainable solar energy systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Edip Imik & Mehmet Yilmaz, 2025. "A Numerical Investigation on the Performance and Sustainability Analysis of Conventional and Finned Air-Cooled Solar Photovoltaic Thermal (PV/T) Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-34, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:23:p:10638-:d:1804481
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