Thermal analysis of photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) single slope roof integrated greenhouse solar dryer

In this research paper, a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) single slope roof integrated greenhouse solar dryer under natural and forced mode has been tested for climatic condition of New Delhi, India. Thermal modelling of PVT dryer has been experimentally validated under natural and forced mode without load condition. Further, characteristic curves have also been discussed on the basis of thermal efficiency, overall thermal efficiency, overall exergy efficiency and solar cell efficiency including the effect of packing factor and mass flow rate. The thermal energy decreased and the electrical energy increased by 76.39% and 88.73% respectively with increment in packing factor of PV module. It was also found that with increment in mass flow rate, the thermal energy increased by 89.44% and 65.70% for natural and forced mode respectively. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.