Enhanced thermal regulation in a spectral-splitting concentrated photovoltaic/thermal collector with phase change materials and spiral finned absorbers

Spectral mismatch and ineffective thermal regulation remain major challenges in conventional CPV/T systems, limiting their ability to fully utilize the solar spectrum for efficient cogeneration. A novel spectrally beam-splitting photovoltaic/thermal (SBS-CPV/T) system that addresses these limitations through the integration of spiral-perforated finned tubes embedded in phase change materials (PCMs), enabling enhanced heat recovery and spectral control, is proposed and presented in this paper. A transient three-dimensional multiphysics numerical model is developed to analyze the system performance, aiming to maximize both thermal and electrical outputs. The system is primarily tested under four concentration ratios (CRs) of 5, 10, 15, and 20. Subsequently, the influence of three working fluids (water, propylene glycol, and Therminol VP-1), serving as both selective absorption filters and coolants, is evaluated at CR = 20. Afterward, the system performance is examined considering the effects of phase change temperature and latent heat of four PCMs (RT-25, RT-35, RT-42, and RT-50) with water as coolant and filter. The energy and exergy efficiency, and economic feasibility (merit function) of the hybrid system are thoroughly analyzed to find out the effectiveness and efficiency of the system for practical use. The results provide valuable insights into the design and development of SBS-CPV/T systems utilized in solar thermal applications.