Investigation of the addition of fins in the collector of water/Al2O3-based PV/T system: Validation of 3D CFD with experimental study

Photovoltaic solar cells, known for their high efficiency and durability, offer a promising renewable energy solution. However, they are susceptible to weather conditions, have low energy density, and require regular maintenance. Elevated operating temperatures can diminish efficiency, power output, and voltage. This study explores the incorporation of fins into PV/T system collectors using Al2O3 nanofluid, validated through 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and laboratory experiments conducted in Surakarta, Indonesia. The research reveals that adding fins to the system reduces PV temperature by expanding the heat transfer area from the collector to the working fluid. Working fluid Water/Al2O3, at 0.6 % concentration, exhibits the highest electrical energy conversion rates at 13.39 %. Adding fins also improves thermal performance based on the working fluid used. The use of fins concentrates the heat transfer flow in the fluid. The PV/T-Fin system has more temperature color contour distribution than the PV/T system. The direction of flow distribution is based on the geometry of the fins added to the PV/T system collector. In addition, when the viscous effect decreases, the temperature decreases towards the center of the flow. This research was validated using Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), with the most significant error observed in PV/T thermal efficiency being 13.5 %. ANOVA was used to analyze the impact of additional fins and working fluid factors on the PV/T system. The results indicate no significant difference in electrical energy conversion between adding fins and the working fluid Water/Al2O3.