Energy–exergy and entropy generation analysis of a PVT-TEG module using a sinusoidal channel combined with jet-impingement cooling

This study investigates the thermo-electrical performance and entropy generation of a hybrid PVT-TEG system cooled by a Jet Impingement Module (JIM) across four channel geometries and Re numbers (400-1600). The JIM system achieved superior thermal management, significantly reducing the average PV temperature by up to 3.4 K to a stable 305.3 K and lowering the thermal entropy generation by 15-25%. However, this enhancement came with a substantial energy penalty. The parasitic power required for pumping surged by orders of magnitude, reaching over 2 W, which drastically reduced the net electrical output. Consequently, the system's net electrical power was nearly halved (1.92-2.16 W with JIM vs. ∼3.95 W without JIM), and the electrical exergy efficiency reduced to 7.7-8.6% compared to 15.8-15.9% for the non-JIM configuration. Furthermore, while thermal irreversibilities were reduced, frictional entropy generation became dominant, soaring to values between 819 and 1074 W/K due to the intense fluid friction in the JIM cooler. The results demonstrate a critical trade-off, where the significant pumping power consumption and associated frictional losses ultimately outweigh the benefits of improved heat transfer, rendering the simple channel without JIM more effective for net energy production.