Energy
4 years ago

Revolutionizing solar power: Using HVAC air boosts efficiency by 64%

Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
Improving the efficiency of photovoltaic panels using air exhausted from HVAC systems: Thermal modelling and parametric analysis
Wassim Salameh, Cathy Castelain, Jalal Faraj, Rabih Murr, Hicham El Hage, Mahmoud Khaled

Paper Summary

Using cold air from HVAC systems can lower the temperature of solar panels, increasing their efficiency. A model was created to calculate this effect, and it was confirmed through experiments. More air flow means cooler panels, leading to higher efficiency. The efficiency of solar panels can increase from 11% to 18% with higher cooling loads. The height of the air duct matters for optimal cooling.

Related papers

Theme background image
Energy
2 years ago

Photovoltaic cells boosted by optimal coolant flow, increasing overall energy gain by 2.5%.

Solar Thermal
Power Point Tracking
Microchannel Cooling
Theme background image
Energy
5 years ago

High mass flow rate boosts water-cooled solar panel efficiency by 57%, unlocking new renewable energy potential.

Solar Thermal
Power Point Tracking
Solar Forecasting
Theme background image
Engineering
7 years ago

Swirling air flows in gas turbine combustors reveal surprising interactions, reshaping fuel-air distribution.

Turbulent Combustion
Aerodynamics
Cyclone Optimization