2Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, 76062, Pakistan
3Department of Environmental Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
Abstract
Pakistan, currently grappling with a severe electricity shortage, has witnessed a growing utili-zation of PV panels for nationwide electrification efforts. Nonetheless, a significant challenge in deploying PV systems lies in the adverse impact of rising ambient temperatures on solar cell performance. In Pakistan, numerous regions experience ambient temperatures surpass-ing 50ºC, an unfavorable condition for such systems. In the present study, the focus was on mitigating this issue by investigating the impact of cooling on PV panel performance using a Photovoltaic thermal hybrid system (PV/T). The PV/T system was meticulously designed and constructed using locally available resources, and its functionality was tested under Karachi’s local conditions. By implementing a water circulation system through the absorber, the study achieved a noteworthy 3.9% enhancement in electrical efficiency. This improvement translat-ed to an additional thermal energy output of 350 Watts, coupled with a commendable thermal efficiency of 56%. Consequently, the overall efficiency of the entire system was augmented. Remarkably, the outlet temperature of the tubing saw an increase of 5°C to 7°C. The results demonstrated that this hybrid PV/T system outperformed the traditional PV system, making it a promising solution capable of catering to both electrical and domestic heating demands.