An Investigation in a Novel PV/T Micro-Channel Heating System During the Clear Day

This paper shows an experimental investigation into a space heating system which is comprised with the novel micro-channel solar thermal and PV panels. The main functions of this system are to provide space heating in winter and generate electricity and hot water during other seasons for a typical rural house in a northern China city. The conclusions present that the solar energy utilization ratio of the micro-channel thermal panels in this system was around 54%, while the maximum ratio value could peak up to 62%. In addition, the average Coefficient of Performance (COP) of the whole system could reach to 6.37, and the maximum COP was as high as 9.45. The major advantage of the system lies in the flexible combination of the solar thermal and PV panels, and the simple structure of the system which was adjustable to meet the energy demand of the building. Further, the solar thermal panels comprising the micro-channel structure had the reduced interior space and increased heat transfer between the heat-carrier fluid and surrounding, according to which the system gains an enhanced solar thermal efficiency.