Study of Thermo-Photo-Voltaic Cell Using Comsol

Abstract

Over the last 25 years, the global population using electricity has increased from 74 to 85%, since there is a vast increase in industrialization and other sectors. In the near future, there will be a scarcity of fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil in the entire world. Hence there is an urge to develop some methodologies for renewable energy sources. The first and foremost renewable energy is the sun’s solar energy since it is freely available as well as abundant. But the solar cell has various disadvantages which include high initial investment and less conversion efficiency. However, the methodology of integrating the thermal and photovoltaic systems was introduced broadly known as the photovoltaic thermal system. Thermal Photovoltaic (TPV) combines solar thermal and photovoltaic systems. This technique benefits from both light and heat of the solar radiation to produce electricity. Research in TPV systems is rapidly growing with more methods and techniques to increase the overall efficiency, reduce the cost, improve the modeling, and maintain the system for long periods of time and employ them for suitable applications. The paper aims to study some of the research conducted in this field in order to understand and derive key points to producing more research and providing constructive and accurate criticism for the work presented. Also, a detailed explanation of TPV systems' principles and operation is presented. Classifications of TPV in terms of absorber design, the shape of pipes, PV configuration, type of working fluid (base-fluid), and type of PV panels are all discussed in the literature survey. Finally, it is concluded that there is a clear lack in electrical, economic, and environmental evaluations, where most articles in TPV are dominated by the thermal study of the system.