Numerical simulation and Enviro-economic examination of Photovoltaic system in presence of complex shape of tube equipped with turbulator

This work delves into the efficiency of the disturber device on the productivity of a Concentrated Photovoltaic-Thermal (CPV/T) unit. For this purpose, numerical techniques were employed to model the three-dimensional CPV/T system along with a TT (twisted tape) device. Initially, the influence of tube cross-section patterns was investigated. This involves designing three distinct tubes with plain, three-lobed, and five-lobed patterns. The simulation considers PV/T systems with various tubes, both with and without the inclusion of twisted tapes, utilizing H2O as the testing fluid. The research assesses the influence of concentration ratio through varying incident irradiations at 1, 2, and 3 suns. The investigation of the temperature over the silicon layer reveals a substantial decrease in the temperature gradient with the incorporation of a twisted tape insert. The three-lobed tube demonstrated optimal performance for the PV/T module. Consequently, an examination was conducted to assess the efficacy of utilizing Al2O3–H2O nanofluid on the productivity of the system. Using the optimal insert pattern under 3 suns has been determined to improve thermal and electrical performances by 5.1 % and 4.2 %. A thermohydraulic analysis is implemented to measure the thermal improvement brought about by various configurations. The results demonstrated that the inserts have the potential to elevate this factor above unity. Additionally, an environmental evaluation of the presented configurations includes an analysis of two key parameters: emission reduction and saved carbon credits. The findings demonstrated that employing the CPV/T system under 3 suns with the optimal design leads to a reduction of approximately 5541 kg of carbon emissions over 10 years, resulting in a savings of about $80.3 in carbon credits.