Investigation of new solar pond and PV/T based energy systems for multi-generation applications

In this study, a new solar pond and photovoltaic thermal PV/T based energy system for multiple generation applications are investigated. A new cylindrical model solar pond (SMGH) has a diameter of 2.35 m, a depth of 1.80 m and a wall thickness of 1.00 cm, and its outer walls are insulated with 6 cm thick styrofoam. The pond is built into the soil up to 160 cm. The inner zones of the SMGH are formed from Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) salt layers. The solar panel is 1.58 m × 0.808 m × 0.035 m in size, 2 pieces of PV/T with a power of 195 W. The panel consists of monocrystalline solar cells and is water cooled. Thus, thermal energy as well as electrical energy can be produced efficiently, together with SMGH and PV/T. In this system, which converts solar energy into thermal and electrical energy simultaneously, besides the instant use of energy, it can also be stored and used whenever desired. In order to support experimental studies, theoretical studies were also carried out. The temperature measurements of the salt layers of SMGH were also simulated with the COMSOL program. It has been observed that the increases and decreases in the temperature distributions of the inner regions (UCZ, NCZ and HSZ) are compatible. The performance of the PV/T system, with and without water cooling, was simulated by the engineering equations solver (EES) program. Thus, the experimental and theoretical energy production performances of the system were determined.