Experimental thermodynamic analysis of air-based PVT system using fins in different materials: Optimization of control parameters by Taguchi method and ANOVA

Abstract In this study, electrical, thermal and exergy efficiencies of PVT using fins in different materials and configurations were experimentally investigated, and optimization analysis of control parameters affecting thermal and exergy efficiencies was performed. Experiments were carried out according to frequent and sparse configurations of fins made from copper, aluminum and brass materials in both monocrystal and polycrystal panels, and compared to non-fins (empty) status. Efficiency values for both frequent and sparse fin configurations have increased significantly compared to non-fins condition. Also, the ideal number of fins for each fins material according to both electrical and thermal efficiencies were investigated. The Taguchi method was used to determine the best combination of control parameters affecting thermal and exergy efficiencies. Additionally, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to determine contribution rates of control parameters affecting both efficiencies. It has been found that for all experiments, the most effective factor on both efficiencies was fins material, and then air velocity and panel temperature, respectively.