Maximum energy savings with this technology: New solar panel that heats water and generates electricity, incredible innovation for your home

North American researchers invent a kit that allows you to heat water with any photovoltaic solar panel

North American scientists have developed a new type of solar panel that not only generates electricity, but also produces domestic hot water. This innovation could significantly reduce carbon footprint and energy costs of residences.

Researchers from the Multiphysics Interaction Lab (MiLab) published an article in the International Journal of Thermofluids about this innovative solar technology. The article, titled “An experimental analysis of a hybrid photovoltaic thermal system through parallel water pipe integration”, describes how a photovoltaic solar module can be used to heat water, thus providing an efficient and sustainable solution.

Design and working of hybrid solar energy system

The photovoltaic-thermal hybrid system design not only produces hot water, but also keeps the solar panels cooler, thus improving their performance. The circulating liquid acts as a coolant, which increases the modules' ability to convert solar energy into electricity. According to scientists, this cooling approach is simple and practical, improving the electrical efficiency of the panels while offering a sustainable solution to residential hot water needs.

Illustration showing prototype components: (1) photovoltaic panel/T, (2) output copper tube collector, (3) insulated piping, (4) safety valve, (5) solar hot water storage tank , (6) pump, (7) inlet copper tube collector, (8) flow meter, (9) inlet fluid thermocouple, (10) multimeter, (11) photovoltaic surface thermocouples, (12) fluid thermocouple output, (13) pyranometer, (14) data acquisition, (15) computer. Photo credit: Multiphysics Interaction Laboratory (MiLab), Creative Commons License CC BY 4.0
The hybrid solar panel incorporates pipes on its back that allow water to circulate at a maximum flow of 3 liters per minute, driven by an independent 11-watt centrifugal pump.

Prototype and evaluation

To evaluate the effectiveness of the concept, the researchers developed a 250-watt polycrystalline solar panel prototype based on their technology. The device was installed in an outdoor environment with a tilt angle of 30% and south orientation. They used copper pipes to circulate the water and equipped the installation with several sensors to measure operating parameters, including a flowmeter, a multimeter and a pyranometer. They compared the results with a similar system installed on the Notre Dame-Louaize University campus in Lebanon.

Promising results in energy generation and savings

The data collected showed that the hybrid solar panel could generate 4% more power thanks to the cooling effect of the water circulating through the copper pipes. However, to take advantage of this benefit, the liquid must circulate constantly to avoid the risk of overheating due to accumulated heat. Additionally, the researchers recorded an average electrical efficiency of 11,5%, compared to 10% for an uncooled module. The total efficiency reached 75%, which is 65% more than the reference solar panel.

Impact on sustainability

This technology represents a significant advance in the field of solar energy and sustainability. By combining electricity generation with the production of domestic hot water, not only is the use of solar energy optimized, but it also provides a practical and ecological solution for homes. Reducing the carbon footprint and energy costs are additional benefits that make this innovation an attractive option for those interested in ecology and sustainability.

More information: www.sciencedirect.com