The impact of hybrid nanofluid cooling on photovoltaic/thermal system performance: a 3E analysis approach

Abstract

Abstract This study evaluates hybrid nanofluid cooling to enhance photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) system performance under realistic operating conditions. A 0.2 mass% suspension of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and zinc oxide (MWCNT–ZnO) circulates through a serpentine copper collector integrated with the PVT module. A comparative assessment was conducted between three configurations—uncooled PV, water-cooled PVT, and nanofluid-cooled PVT—using a 3E framework (Energy, Exergy, and Enviroeconomic). The hybrid nanofluid improves base-fluid thermal properties, yielding a maximum surface-temperature reduction of 16.6 °C relative to the uncooled panel. The nanofluid configuration attains a peak thermal efficiency of 55.1%, surpassing the 45.5% with water cooling and an overall system efficiency of 60%. Exergy analysis shows a 7.1% decrease in entropy generation and a 4.9% reduction in exergy destruction when using nanofluid cooling compared with conventional cooling. Enviroeconomic analysis indicates annual CO₂ mitigation of 362 kg relative to standalone PV. These findings demonstrate that hybrid MWCNT–ZnO cooling simultaneously enhances thermal and electrical performance while reducing irreversibilities and emissions.