This chapter provides the
description and analysis of a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) air heater, including
a thermoelectric module (TEM). A PVT air heater offers several advantages over
a PVT water heater. The problems such as corrosion and freezing do not exist
when air is used as a working fluid. Also, the system design is less complex,
incurs lower operation costs and can be easily integrated into buildings.
Furthermore, it is not a cause of any major concern in case of air leaks from the
duct. A PVT air heater poses some drawbacks as well, such as uneven cooling of PV
panels and lower overall efficiency compared to a PVT water heater resulting from
lower specific heat capacity of air. Nevertheless, the choice of the type of working
fluid is subject to a variety of factors like efficiency, cost including
capital investment, installation, operation and maintenance costs and the
particular application.
Keywords: Bifacial, Electricity, Power, PVT, Solar cell, Solar energy.
