The Experimental Research on Instantaneous Efficiency of PV/T Module Based on Micro Heat Pipe Array

A novel photovoltaic /thermal (PV/T) module is invented, which use micro heat pipe array (MHPA), a flat heat pipe, to cool the solar cell. The PV/T module can achieve the purpose of cogeneration by collecting and utilizing waste heat while cooling the solar cell and improving power efficiency. In order to test the performance of PV/T module based on MHPA, instantaneous thermal efficiency test was performed. The intercept of measured instantaneous thermal efficiency curve can reach 41.4%, the slope is 3.95. The temperature of PV module is the key factor of the influencing electric efficiency. The PV/T modules electric efficiency is kept between 10.5% and 12.3% during the test. Solar energy utilization total efficiency at 20°C inlet temperature can reach more than 50%, and comprehensive performance efficiency can reach above 70%.