Photovoltaic/thermal systems based on concentrating and non-concentrating technologies: Working fluids at low, medium and high temperatures
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Date
2021
Authors
Lamnatou, Chrysovalantou
Vaillon, Rodolphe
Parola, Stéphanie
Chemisana Villegas, Daniel
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Abstract
The present article provides an overview about photovoltaic/thermal systems categorised by the temperature of
the working fluid: Low-temperature (lower than 60º C), medium-temperature (between 60 and 90º C) and hightemperature
(higher than 90º C). Concerning photovoltaic/thermal-air systems for low-temperature use, the
majority of studies involve building-integrated non-concentrating systems with phase change materials and
working-fluid temperatures at around 30-55º C. Concerning low-temperature photovoltaic/thermal-water systems,
a large number of studies are about non-concentrating configurations appropriate for building-integrated
and, in general, domestic applications with working fluids at approximately 50–60º C. Regarding nonconcentrating
photovoltaic/thermal systems for medium-temperature use, a large number of references are
appropriate for industrial and domestic applications (working fluids: air; water) with around 60-70º C workingfluid
temperatures. The literature review about medium-temperature concentrating photovoltaic/thermal systems
shows that the majority of investigations concern photovoltaic/thermal-water systems with concentration
ratios up to 190X and working fluids at approximately 62-90º C, appropriate for domestic and waterdesalination
applications. As for high-temperature concentrating photovoltaic/thermal systems, most of them
have concentration ratios up to 1000X, involve parabolic concentrators and use water (as the working fluid) at
around 100-250º C. Moreover, in the field of high-temperature photovoltaic/thermal systems, most of the
configurations are appropriate for building and industrial applications, and consist of triple-junction or siliconbased
photovoltaic/thermal cells. In light of the issues mentioned above, a critical discussion and key challenges
(in terms of materials, efficiencies, technologies, etc.) are presented.
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Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2021, vol. 137, p. 110625.