Journal of Solar Energy Research Updates

Articles

Vol. 12 (2025)

Numerical Simulation and Performance Analysis of a Water-Based Photovoltaic/Thermal (PVT) Collector Using Simulink Environment

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31875/
Submitted
December 5, 2025
Published
2025-12-21

Abstract

The hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collector is an innovative technology that exploits solar energy to simultaneously generate electricity and heat. It thus optimizes the use of the surface exposed to sunlight by maximizing total energy production, offering a higher overall efficiency compared to standard thermal collectors or separately installed photovoltaic panels. In this research, a “sheet and tube” type water-based PVT collector was studied numerically. The main objective is to develop and analyze a hybrid PVT collector to optimize its overall efficiency. A mathematical model was developed for each component of the PVT collector (glass cover, PV module, absorber plate, tube, fluid, and insulation). Subsequently, the Hottel-Whillier thermal model was implemented and simulated in the Simulink/Matlab environment to study the collector’s performance. Furthermore, the effects of mass flow rate, number of glazings, inlet fluid temperature, and the heat transfer coefficient between the absorber plate and the PV module, among other operating parameters, were analyzed to identify their influence on electrical and thermal performance. A comparative analysis between PV and PVT collectors was conducted, and annual thermal and electrical energy productions were evaluated to assess the overall performance of each system.

References

  1. Taoufik, B., and Abdelmajid, J. (February 11, 2022). "Feasibility Study of Long-Term Dual Tank Photovoltaic/Thermal Indirect Parallel Solar-Assisted Heat Pump Systems." ASME. J. Sol. Energy Eng. August 2022; 144(4): 041006. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4053317
  2. Saidi, S., Brahim, T., & Jemni, A. (2025). Experimental advances in photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems: a comprehensive review of cooling technologies, materials, and performance optimization. Solar Energy, 298, 113650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2025.113650
  3. Saidi, S., Brahim, T., & Jemni, A. (2025). Numerical investigation of indirect parallel PVT solar systems using MATLAB/simulink. Engineering Research Express, 7(1), 015339. https://doi.org/10.1088/2631-8695/adae55
  4. Brahim, T. and Jemni, A. (2021b) “Parametric study of photovoltaic/thermal wickless heat pipe solar collector,” Energy conversion and management, 239(114236), p. 114236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2021.114236
  5. Brahim, T. and Jemni, A. (2015) “Numerical investigation of roll heat pipe type for heat exchangers thermal management,” Applied thermal engineering, 90, pp. 638-647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2015.07.048
  6. Lebbi, M., et al. (2021). Energy performance improvement of a new hybrid PV/T Bi-fluid system using active cooling and self-cleaning: experimental study. Applied Thermal Engineering, 182, 116033. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2020.116033
  7. Othman, M. Y., et al. (2016). Performance analysis of PV/T Combined with water and air heating system: an experimental study. Renewable Energy, 86, 716-722. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2015.08.061
  8. Chaouch, A., Brahim, T., Abdelati, R., & Jemni, A. (2024). Energy and exergy analysis of a long-term nonlinear dynamic roll bond PVT solar collector model under Tunisian (North Africa) climatic conditions. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, 53, 102727. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2024.102727
  9. Hasan, H. A., Sopian, K., & Fudholi, A. (2018). Photovoltaic thermal solar water collector designed with a jet collision system. Energy, 161, 412-424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.07.141
  10. Yang, D., & Yin, H. (2016). Energy Conversion Efficiency of a Novel Hybrid Solar System for Photovoltaic, Thermoelectric, and Heat Utilization. IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion, 26(2), 662-670. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEC.2011.2112363
  11. Hosseinzadeh, M., et al. (2018). Energy and exergy analysis of nanofluid based photovoltaic thermal system integrated with phase change material. Energy, 147, 636-647.
  12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.01.073
  13. S. Preet, B. Bhushan, T. Mahajan, Experimental investigation of water based photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system with and without phase change material (PCM), Sol. Energy 155 (2017) 1104-1120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2017.07.040
  14. Simón-Allué, R., et al. (2022). Performance evaluation of PVT panel with phase change material: Experimental study in lab testing and field measurement. Solar Energy, 241, 738-751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2022.05.035
  15. Rajaee, F., Rad, M. A. V., Kasaeian, A., Mahian, O., & Yan, W.M. (2020). Experimental analysis of a photovoltaic/thermoelectric generator using cobalt oxide nanofluid and phase change material heat sink. Energy Conversion and Management, 212, 112780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2020.112780
  16. Brahim, T., Abdelati, R., & Jemni, A. (2024). Dynamic simulation of roll bond PVT solar collector under Simulink/Matlab. Engineering Research Express, 6(4), 045340. https://doi.org/10.1088/2631-8695/ad8ff5
  17. Barbu, M., Siroux, M., & Darie, G. (2021). Numerical model and parametric analysis of a liquid based hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collector. Energy Reports, 7, 7977-7988. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2021.07.058
  18. Florschuetz, L. W. (1979). Extension of the Hottel-Whillier model to the analysis of combined photovoltaic/thermal flat plate collectors. Solar Energy, 22(4), 361-366. https://doi.org/10.1016/0038-092X(79)90190-7
  19. Duffie, J. A., Beckman, W. A., & Blair, N. (2020). Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, Photovoltaics and Wind.
  20. Vokas, G., Christandonis, N., & Skittides, F. (2006). Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal systems for domestic heating and cooling—A theoretical approach. Solar Energy, 80(5), 607-615. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2005.03.011
  21. Tiwari, A., & Sodha, M. S. (2006). Performance evaluation of solar PV/T system: An experimental validation. Solar Energy, 80(7), 751-759. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2005.07.006
  22. Klein, S. A. (2018). Calculation of Flat-Plate Collector Loss Coefficients. Renewable Energy, 387-391.
  23. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315793245-69
  24. Piratheepan, M., & Anderson, T. N. (2015). Natural convection heat transfers in façade integrated solar concentrators. Solar Energy, 122, 271-276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2015.09.008

Similar Articles

41-48 of 48

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.