Solar Photovoltaic−Thermal (PV/T) Hybrid Technology: A Step Towards Achieving Net-Zero Carbon Emission
摘要
This chapter presents a holistic description of India’s readiness to make a transition from fossil-fuel-dependent energy generation to renewable-energy-based generation, particularly harnessing solar energy. This is in the context of India’s global commitment towards installing 500 GW of electrical power generation capacity from natural resources and simultaneously taking measures to scale down greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030, a step towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. The technological aspects related to the energy conversion from solar photovoltaic (PV) to electrical and thermal energy using solar PV/T hybrid technology involving materials, power interfaces, heat storage, heat transfer fluid, collectors, etc., have been studied. The solutions are discussed for clean, efficient and sustainable energy generation with a focus on solar PV and PV/T technologies. Factors influencing the performance of PV and PV/T hybrid systems have been explained, and a comparative analysis of both technologies has been carried out. This chapter also mentions various equations governing the energy flow across different layers of PV/T collectors like glass cover, PV panel, heat absorbing plate, tube and insulation.