Thermal Model and Performance Analysis of PVT Non-metallic Solar Water Heater

Abstract

In the present paper, a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) non-metallic solar water heater (PVNMSWH) made of modified solar collector and glass-to glass PV module, is simulated on MATLAB and validated with the experiments performed in the month of April and December, 2017. The modified solar water heater is made of Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) and acrylic with an aim to develop a corrosion resistant and economical system by using the thermally insulating materials which eliminates the use of insulation for the domestic use. The experimental setup is installed at the M.N.N.I.T. Allahabad, Allahabad, U.P India (latitude 25° 27’N and longitude 81° 44’). The maximum water temperature in the tank is found to be 65.6°C and 40.0°C in the month of April and December, 2017 respectively. Maximum thermal efficiencies have been found to be 43.9% and 38.3% in the month of April and December respectively at 13:00hr and electrical efficiency is found to vary between 11-12.5%. The enviro-economic analysis and energy matrices is also carried out and the carbon mitigation cost is obtained as Rs. 1915 per annum.