Optimization of Hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal System Using Design of Experiment Method (DOE)

Hybrid photovoltaic thermal systems are power generation systems that transform thermal irradiance to both electrical and thermal energy simultaneously. A hybrid photovoltaic thermal system is made up of a solar panel coupled to a thermal collector. In this study, we present an optimization of solar photovoltaic/thermal system at semi-humid climatic conditions. The aim of this optimization is to improve electrical and thermal performance, and the factors optimized are: Solar radiation, flow rate, and convective heat coefficient. Using Taguchi method and ANOVA method and finish with Response surface methodology. The analysis of variance is used to assess the main and interaction effects of the factors under consideration. ANOVA is used to identify important variables and interactions on the electrical and thermal efficiencies. It has been discovered that in order for the system to work better, solar power should be at a medium level and the flow rate convective heat coefficient should be at a high level. Electrical, thermal, and overall efficiency are 13.02%, 74.26%, and 87.28%, respectively.