Optimizing photovoltaic thermal systems with wavy collector Tube: A response Surface-Based design study with desirability analysis

Kazemian, Arash; Khosravi, Koorosh; Sen, Surojit; Talebizadehsardari, Pouyan; Cairns, Alasdair; Ma, Tao

Abstract

A comprehensive simulation model and predictive analysis are employed to investigate the performance of a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system with a wavy collector tube. Response surface methodology and desirability analysis are utilized to develop a robust model that considers five critical design variables: collector wavelength, amplitude, diameter, panel width, and fluid inlet velocity. The complex interactions between these variables and their impact on the system’s energy and exergy outputs are thoroughly examined. Single and multi-objective optimization techniques are strategically applied to maximize the PVT system’s performance under various operating conditions. The results reveal that the wavy tube configuration achieves superior electrical and thermal energy efficiency compared to the conventional straight-tube design. The system’s performance is significantly enhanced by optimizing the collector amplitude, inlet velocity, diameter, wavelength, and panel width. The optimized wavy-tube PVT system demonstrates remarkable overall energy and exergy efficiencies of 85% and 14.67%, respectively, outperforming the baseline straight-tube system’s efficiencies of 72.41% and 12.72%. This research provides valuable insights into the optimal design of PVT systems and contributes to the advancement of PVT technology. The findings highlight the potential for widespread implementation of highly efficient and sustainable PVT systems in the renewable energy sector.

Citation

Kazemian, A., Khosravi, K., Sen, S., Talebizadehsardari, P., Cairns, A., & Ma, T. (2025). Optimizing photovoltaic thermal systems with wavy collector Tube: A response Surface-Based design study with desirability analysis. Applied Thermal Engineering, 258(A), Article 124475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.124475

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 23, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Sep 26, 2024
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2025
• Deposit Date: Oct 17, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 27, 2025
• Journal: Applied Thermal Engineering
• Print ISSN: 1359-4311
• Electronic ISSN: 1873-5606
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 258
• Issue: A
• Article Number: 124475
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.124475
• Keywords: Photovoltaic thermal system; Wavy collector tube; Response surface method; Energy efficiency; Desirability analysis
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/40000244
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359431124021434?via%3Dihub