Development of Solar PVT Panels Appropriate for Co-supply of Electricity Grids and District Heating Systems Using Laser-Treated Inserts and Nanofluids

This project is on an innovative PVT panel in which, via using nanofluids and various types of inserts including inserts with laser-treated surfaces, the performance of the panel is improved, and the heat output increases in terms of both the amount and temperature. A higher yet uniform outlet temperature, around 60 deg. C, will make such panels very interesting for being used in district heating systems. This, of course, must be done without negatively affecting the electrical efficiency of the panels to keep the panels interesting technically. In this way, not only the panels work at higher efficiency and district heating may benefit from this renewable-based new component in its supply chain, but also a concrete integration between the heat and electricity sectors is also made, which is a MUST for the future smart energy systems. Laser-treated surfaces can enhance the rate of heat transfer significantly by increasing the contact surface area between working fluid and inserts. Moreover, using novel nanofluids such as composite-based nanofluids can enhance the outlet temperature of the PVT system which makes it more suitable for district heating supply. Novel nanofluids that are made from composite nanoparticles such as the combination of graphene nanoparticles with plasmonic nanoparticles such as silver will be used in this project.