Masters Theses

Abstract

"The combination of photovoltaic and solar thermal (PV-t) systems has been proven to provide greater efficiency than their stand-alone counterparts. Previous studies on hybrid assemblies have found favorable results supporting the combination of both systems. The research presented here builds on the work competed here at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) yielding favorable results of increased efficiencies as compared to stand-alone systems. The main difference between this experiment and previous research at Missouri S&T is that the hybrid PV-t is unglazed. The effect of an unglazed panel is shown to reduce the thermal output of the PV-t system. This reduction in heat benefits the solar electric component of the PV-t due to photovoltaic cells increasing voltage with decreasing temperature. Since power and energy output is directly proportional to voltage, power and energy is increased as PV cell temperatures are decreased.

This research project focused on comparing the electrical output of a control array with the electrical and thermal output of the PV-t array during optimal testing conditions. The two arrays were set side-by-side on the same test surface with similar mounting details. The optimal testing conditions sought were clear, near cloudless, days with a panel angle that was incident to the two arrays at solar noon of the test day.

The results show that an insulated, unglazed PV-t is more thermally efficient than its un-insulated counterpart. The electrical output was only minimally affected and was comparable to the non-PV-t control array"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Baur, Stuart Werner, 1965-

Committee Member(s)

Homan, Kelly
Leu, M. C. (Ming-Chuan)

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2012

Pagination

xi, 73 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 71-72).

Rights

© 2012 Joel Aaron Lamson, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Photovoltaic power generation
Solar thermal energy

Thesis Number

T 9969

Print OCLC #

815981081

Electronic OCLC #

908765279

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