SIMULATION OF SOLAR ELECTRIC/THERMAL COGENERATORS.

Computer models were developed to simulate the performance of four different configurations of flat-plate solar electric/thermal cogenerators for agricultural processes. In such solar collectors, photovoltaic panels are used to produce electricity and absorb thermal energy from the sun simultaneously. Any excess amount of electric energy is stored in a battery. The generation efficiencies of electricity and heat were complimentary to each other. The cogenerators could operate without relying on any other external power source. Another model was developed for simulating the output of photovoltaic panels without air heating functions. The modeling algorithm and results of simulation are presented in this paper.