Performance investigation on photovoltaic thermal collector by using zinc oxide nanofluids.

The efficiency of solar power generation has been severely hampered by the rising temperatures of these cells. In an effort to lessen this difficulty, an outdoor experimental inquiry carried out in Chennai is presented in this research report. To lower PV temperatures, coolants such as water and water-based nanofluids, specifically zinc oxide nanofluids, were used. The results showed that the PVT collector's thermal and electrical efficiency had been greatly increased by the introduction of nanofluids. At 1.0 LPM, the PVT collector had a maximum electrical efficiency of 17.48% and a maximum thermal efficiency of 49.87%. The nanofluid-cooled PVT collector performed better than freestanding PV modules and water-cooled PVT systems, according to the comparison study. The research also identified difficulties with nanofluid cooling, such as decreased effectiveness during times of maximum solar radiation. All things considered, this study offers insightful information on how to use nanofluids to optimize PVT collector performance, providing ways to improve the efficiency of solar energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]