Simulation of solar photovoltaic system integrated with TEG in presence of hybrid nanomaterial

The aim of the current article is to explore methods for boosting the productivity of PVT (photovoltaic thermal) unit in the presence of dust. This investigation centers on a PVT system comprising a cooling tube equipped with anchor-shaped fins, coupled with photovoltaic (PV) cells integrated with thermoelectric generator (TEG) modules to augment electrical output. To optimize system performance amidst dusty conditions, a hybrid nanofluid consisting of a mixture of water and Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ nanoparticles is employed within the cooling tube. Additionally, a self-cleaning technique is implemented by coating the glass layer with SiO₂ nanoparticles to mitigate the impact of dust deposition. The study evaluates the photovoltaic (η_PV), thermoelectric (η_TE), and thermal (η_Th) performances of two structural configurations: case A, without fins, and case B, with fins. Various values of inlet velocity (V_in) and the fraction of additives (ϕ) are investigated to assess their influence on system performance. The utilization of Fe₃O₄/SiO₂–water hybrid nanofluid in PVT cooling tubes is shown to improve heat transfer, stability, and thermal management, thereby enhancing overall system efficiency. Notably, the positive impact of loading hybrid nanoparticles for the structure without fins is approximately three times greater than that for the finned case. In scenarios where dust deposition occurs within case B, reductions in η_PV, η_TE, and η_Th are observed, emphasizing the detrimental effects of dust. However, the application of nanoparticle coatings on the glass of the finned case leads to significant augmentations in η_PV, η_TE, and η_Th, underscoring the efficacy of this approach in maintaining system performance in dusty environments. Specifically, with dust deposition within case B, the η_Th, η_TE, and η_PV reduce by 14.05%, 12.06%, and 38.19%, respectively. Furthermore, the study highlights the influence of V_in on η_PV for both cases A and B, with notable improvements observed when the glass is coated with nanoparticles. Additionally, in the absence of dust, increases in the velocity of the hybrid nanofluid and the installation of fins are shown to enhance temperature uniformity across the panel. Specifically, the augmentation of η_PV with the rise of V_in for cases A and B enhances by about 8.07% and 4.93%, respectively, if the glass is coated with nanoparticles.