Performance of a hybrid PV/T double-pass finned plate solar air heater

Document Type : Original Article

Abstract

The hybrid (PV/T) double flow pass air heater with finned absorber was investigated theoretically. In this model, the air flows through the heater from the upper flow duct and comes out from the lower flow duct after circulation. The considered PV unit is utilized to deliver the electrical power necessary to actuate the pump and blow the air through the upper and lower ducts. The impact of  on the outlet temperature, thermal and electrical output powers and overall efficiency have been studied. The DPFPSAH has been investigated with and without the PV module. Additionally, the impact of using fins on the heater performance has been discussed. The experimental outcomes display that the electrical power of the PV unit can run the fan and blow the air at lower than 0.37 kg/s. The thermal efficiency has been increased from 30% at 0.006 kg/s to 70% at 0.06 kg/s, while the electrical efficiency has been increased from 6.4% to 7.3% at the same mass flow rates.