What is Photovoltaic Thermal Module

This chapter discusses the simulation of solar photovoltaic thermal modules of planar and concentrator structures in computer-aided design systems KOMPAS 3D and finite element analysis ANSYS. To create photovoltaic thermal modules, a method for designing their three-dimensional models in the computer-aided design system has been developed. To study the thermal regimes of the created three-dimensional models of modules, a method has been developed for visualizing thermal processes, coolant velocity, and flow lines of a cooling agent in a finite element analysis system. As a result of calculations in the finite element analysis system using the developed method, conclusions can be drawn about the feasibility of the design created with its further editing, visualization of thermal fields, and current lines of the radiator cooling agent. As an illustration of the simulation results, a three-dimensional model of a photovoltaic thermal planar roofing panel and an optimized three-dimensional model of a photodetector of a solar concentrator photovoltaic thermal module are presented.