LAUSR

Abstract An experimental analysis and a numerical modelling of a newly designed solar air collector was conducted. The honeycomb structure with large surface area was introduced to the collector to form a blackbody-like heat absorbing core. PV panels were used to drive an electric fan that provide mechanical air circulation without additional energy supply. The effect of irradiance and PV panel coverage ratio on the overall thermal efficiency of the collector were investigated. The system was experimentally tested under irradiance of 200 W / m 2 to 600 W / m 2 with PV coverage ratio of 15%, 30%, 45%, 60%, 75% and 90%. The thermal behaviour of the system was analysed. It was observed that the honeycomb solar air collector integrated with well-designed PV configuration would be able to achieve suitable thermal efficiency. Over the range of experimental conditions, the maximum instantaneous efficiency reached 64% when PV coverage ratio was 45%. A numerical model was developed and verified, further exploring the thermal efficiency dependency on PV coverage ratio and radiation conditions. The investigation confirmed that there is a theoretical optimum PV coverage ratio that can maximize overall efficiency and the numerical model offered a methodology to predict thermal behaviour of the system under practical conditions.