Influence of porous media on the performance of hybrid PV/Thermal collector

In this analysis, it was concluded that the hybrid solar collector with porous media and glass cover is more thermally efficient than the other design form. The results showed a rise in the electrical efficiency with the increase of the fluid flow rate. This increase in the value of the electrical efficiency was due to the higher volumetric air flow which enhanced the PV panel cooling. Also, the results displayed that fixing a glass layer on the hybrid collector caused the rise in thermal efficiency and reduction in the electrical efficiency of the hybrid collector. The highest value for the daily thermal efficiency was 80.23% in the collector that used porous media and glass cover, while the higher value for the thermal efficiency was 51.25% without porous media and glass cover. Also, the highest value for the daily electrical efficiency was 8.7% in the collector that used porous media and the higher value for the daily electrical efficiency was 10.91% without porous media and without glass cover. The use of porous media and glass cover in the hybrid system is a desirable option when using the hybrid system for electrical generation only.