Investigation on the effect of fluid use on electrical characteristics in photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) and building integrated PV/T (BIPV/T) system

Photovoltaic (PV) systems can convert 15-25% of the solar energy to electrical energy. Photovoltaic panels are elements produced by semiconductor technology and the current/voltage (I/V) characteristics are not linear. The I/V characteristics vary with temperature. Cooling of the panel is important in terms of electrical efficiency of the panel. Using PV panel as both a thermal and an electrical source is a commonly used method to increase the efficiency. The aim here is to improve the electrical characteristics by removing the thermal energy from the heated panel and to obtain thermal energy from the panel. PV/T (PhotoVoltaic/Thermal) panels are used for this purpose. Varieties produced for the integration of PV/T panels to the building surface is called BIPV/T (Building Integrated PV/T). With BIPV/T, the surfaces of the buildings are covered with solar insulation and the electrical and thermal energy is obtained as well as the insulation of the buildings. Fluids such as air and / or water are passed through the BIPV/T systems to cool the panel. With the heat energy on the panel, the temperature of this fluid rises. High temperature fluid (water or air) is used for the building's hot water and hot air needs so that both the panel is cooled and the building is heated.