Experimental and numerical Investigation of curvature effects on flexible amorphous silicon photovoltaic thermal collectors
Solar Energy, cilt.315, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 315
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.solener.2026.114836
- Dergi Adı: Solar Energy
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Applied Science & Technology Source, Compendex, Environment Index, Geobase, INSPEC, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Engineering Source (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Amorphous silicon, BIPV, Curvature radius, Flexible PV/T, Numerical modeling, Solar energy, Tilt angle
- Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Flexible photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) systems have been increasingly investigated in recent years due to their potential for integration into curved architectural surfaces and non-planar building envelopes. This study parametrically investigates the effects of curvature geometry on the combined electrical and thermal performance of flexible amorphous silicon (a-Si) based water-cooled PV/T collectors. A dedicated experimental setup was designed to perform tests at four different curvature radii (R = ∞, 51.45, 37.86, 22.5 cm) and tilt angles (β = 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°). For numerical analysis, a MATLAB-based numerical model was developed, incorporating the Perez anisotropic diffuse radiation model, the single-diode model with the Lambert W function for electrical characterization, and the thermal resistance network approach for heat transfer calculations. Experimental and theoretical results showed that while an instantaneous performance loss of approximately 35 % occurred in peak power output during noon hours as panel curvature increased, the total production profile became more balanced and stable throughout the day. Curved geometries provide a higher instantaneous energy harvesting advantage of approximately 40–43 % during morning and evening hours compared to flat panels. For vertical building facades (β = 90°), the curved structure may offer a functional solution that widens the production band while maintaining aesthetic harmony. Model performance was evaluated using RMSE, MAPE, and R2 metrics. Water outlet temperature predictions demonstrated relatively higher accuracy (MAPE ≈ 1.1 %, R2 ≈ 0.96), whereas instantaneous electrical power predictions exhibited greater deviations (MAPE ≈ 11.5 %), likely attributable to transient meteorological fluctuations and measurement uncertainties. These results suggest that the model is better suited for capturing general performance trends rather than precise instantaneous value prediction.