A review of photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) heat utilisation with low temperature desiccant cooling and dehumidification

Analysis of the literature shows that obtainable outlet fluid temperatures from existing PV/T systems nearly match the low temperature desiccant cooling and dehumidification applications. Design and operation factors for achieving sufficiently high outlet fluid temperature in flat plate PV/T collectors include (i) maintaining low mass flow rate per collector area, (ii) addition of a glazed cover and (iii) hydraulic channel diameter optimisation. These factors are reviewed and case studies of complete solar PV/T desiccant cooling are examined.