Numerical simulation on the efficiency of PVT system integrated with PCM under the influence of using fins

Abstract In current article, several 3D models of PVT/NEPCM (photovoltaic thermal system integrated with nano-enhanced phase change material) are evaluated numerically. The impact of different quantities of trapezoidal fins on the efficiency of PVT/NEPCM collectors (i.e. PVT/NEPCM without fins, with 10, 14, and 18 fins), with utilization of Al2O3/RT35-HC 0.04%vol. as NEPCM and SiC/water nano-fluid 0.04%vol. as coolant is investigated. Moreover, the effect of different solar flux intensities on the efficiency of the PVT/NEPCM collector was examined. Additionally, a 3D PVT/nano-fluid system with SiC/water nano-fluid as coolant is modeled to conduct a comparative investigation between PVT/NEPCM and PVT system. To model the charging and solidification of NEPCM, an enthalpy-porosity approach is applied. Furthermore, to model governing equations using computational fluid dynamic (CFD), a pressure-based finite volume technique with a transient solver is chosen. In order to provide coupling among the velocity and pressure, the SIMPLE model was utilized. Based on the numerical results, by utilizing trapezoidal fins in paraffin zone, the PV average temperature, and outlet temperature of coolant reduce, while the melting fraction of NEPCM enhances. Furthermore, the outcomes of study indicate that for the highest irradiation, the thermal performance of PVT/NEPCM system with 18 fins reaches 79.54%, which is 9.47% higher than the PVT/NEPCM without fins. Moreover, the liquid fraction of NEPCM for the PVT/NEPCM system with 18 fins reaches 57.15%, which is 2.94% higher than the system with 14 fins, 3.3% higher than the system with 10 fins, and 16.74% higher than the system without fins.