Boulfaf, Naima , Mancour-Billah, Anass , Khandouch, Younes , Chaoufi, Jamal
2025-12-12 ENERGY SOURCES PART A-RECOVERY UTILIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 2025 47(卷), 2(期), (null页)
Despite extensive global research on photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems, their performance under Morocco's distinct semi-arid Mediterranean climate, characterized by high solar irradiation (5.3 kWh/m2/day), moderate temperatures (14-30 degrees C), and coastal humidity, remains largely unexplored. This study presents the first comprehensive experimental evaluation of an air-based PVT collector in Agadir, Morocco, addressing a critical gap in regional renewable energy research. A hybrid PVT air collector was designed by integrating a polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) module into an insulated wooden duct, configured to operate under both forced and natural convection modes. Thermal, electrical, and meteorological parameters were continuously recorded using calibrated sensors over a full annual cycle. The system's performance was compared with that of a conventional PV module operating under identical environmental conditions. The results show that forced convection cooling reduced PVT cell temperatures by 14.2 degrees C compared to conventional PV, resulting in a 1.13% increase in annual energy production (217.68 kWh/m2 vs. 215.24 kWh/m2). The system achieved a maximum thermal gain of 290.13 W, an electrical efficiency of 10.88% at midday, and effective residual heat recovery extending for 2-3 h into the evening. Notably, it maintained 98.5% of its electrical efficiency during high-temperature summer periods, when conventional PV performance typically declines. Comparative analysis revealed Agadir's climate enables superior electrical efficiency compared to Iran (10.22% vs. 9.47%), India (10.25% vs. 9.37%), and Algeria (10.15% vs. 9.36%) due to natural cooling from moderate temperatures and coastal winds. These findings underscore the viability of PVT systems for space-constrained urban environments in semi-arid Mediterranean regions, offering dual energy outputs while reducing efficiency losses due to thermal stress. This work provides a valuable framework for optimizing PVT deployment in Morocco and similar regions, supporting national renewable energy strategies.