Optimization of Energy Parameters in a Photovoltaic-thermal Solar System by Response Surface Methodology: A Case Study

Given the economic and environmental importance ascribed to agriculture, there has been a rising focus on adopting greenhouse technology and renewable energy sources as sustainable and eco-friendly in this sector. Due to this emphasis, the current study utilized mathematical modeling of response surface methodology to analyze and optimization of the photovoltaic-thermal system’s performance of data obtained from a greenhouse. Through the use of Design Expert software and optimal factorial design, optimized treatments were achieved. The studied factors were time (ranging from ۱۰ am to ۳ pm), fluid types (pure water, SiO۲, Al۲O۳, SiO۲, and Al۲O۳- SiO۲), nanoparticle concentrations (۰.۱%, ۰.۳%, and ۰.۵%) and the photovoltaic-thermal system location (inside and outside the greenhouse). The main objective of the optimization conditions was to maximize the energy parameters. The response optimization design was then examined for power, electrical efficiency, thermal efficiency, and total efficiency. The results demonstrated a strong correlation between the statistical model and the collected data (R۲>۰.۹۰). Based on the experimental design factors, it was determined that the environmental condition of the system and the type of nanofluid had the most significant impact on the response. After implementing the design, the proposed optimal solution, with a desirability of ۹۹%, involved utilizing a ۰.۵% concentration of Al۲O۳- SiO۲ nanofluid in the system located outside the greenhouse at ۳ pm.

Keywords:

Design expert , Greenhouse gas , optimization , Photovoltaic-thermal system , Renewable Energy