Experimental and theoretical model of a concentrating photovoltaic and thermal system

The experimental and theoretical analysis of a concentrating photovoltaic and thermal system (CPV/T) presented in this paper allows to evaluate the electrical parameters of the system, the concentration factor, the cell temperature in different working conditions and the fluid temperature. In particular, the experimental values of the cell temperature represent the input of a model developed in ANSYS-CFX. This model evaluates the theoretical temperature values of the fluid that flows into the cooling circuit of the CPV/T system, designed with the CATIA software. Hence, both electrical and thermal parameters have been analyzed in order to evaluate the potential energy production of a concentrating photovoltaic and thermal system. Different configurations of the CPV/T system have been analyzed and the value of the concentration factor has been determined by means of an experimental procedure. The experimental and theoretical electric powers are compared in different climatic conditions considering a solar radiation included between 500 and 900 W/m2. The electric efficiency is also evaluated as function of solar irradiance and cloudiness. Moreover, the fluid temperature as function of the experimental cell temperature is determined in different working conditions by means of the ANSYS model. The fluid temperature is also theoretically determined varying the operating conditions along the circuit. Finally, a study of the electrical and thermal performances represents a key-factor to develop a more complex prototype of a CPV/T system.