{"id":13424,"date":"2026-05-04T09:06:55","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T13:06:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.mathworks.com\/student-lounge\/?p=13424"},"modified":"2026-05-04T09:06:55","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T13:06:55","slug":"simulating-a-hybrid-pvt-chiller-system-for-maximum-cop-in-jordans-hot-summers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.mathworks.com\/student-lounge\/2026\/05\/04\/simulating-a-hybrid-pvt-chiller-system-for-maximum-cop-in-jordans-hot-summers\/","title":{"rendered":"Simulating a Hybrid PVT-Chiller System for Maximum COP in Jordan\u2019s Hot Summers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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For today\u2019s blog, we\u2019re joined by Dr. Heba Al Zaben, Eng. Adham Yacoub, Eng. Waleed Mohamadieh, Eng. Omar Faire, and Eng. Khaled Al Halab from AlHussein Technical University, whose project earned second place for Best Use of MATLAB & Simulink at the Twelfth National Parade for Technology Competition. They share how they modeled and optimized a hybrid PVT-chiller system to improve cooling efficiency in Jordan\u2019s extreme summer climate – over to you.<\/span><\/div>\n
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Introduction<\/span><\/h2>\n
The subject of this study is the development and analysis of an air-cooled chiller integrated with photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system, as Jordan experiences very hot summer climate conditions (with mean daytime temperatures around 30\u201335 \u00b0C and peak temperatures often exceeding 40 \u00b0C) and has a demand for sustainable energy solutions. The goal of this study was to improve overall energy efficiency by utilizing both electrical and thermal output of the PVT panels to satisfy the high cooling demand of the summer climate. To simulate the entire system, a detailed MATLAB\/Simulink model was developed by implementing real-time climatology data for Jordan. This research further explored the system configuration parameters by focusing on the parameters that have the greatest affect on hybrid system performance. Drawing on past research studies and technical studies, the study discussed the effects of PVT panel\u2019s tilt angle; cross-sectional area of mist nozzles used for surface cooling; mass flow rate of cooling mist; and mass flow rate of air over the PVT surface. The theoretical study then presented the effects of each of the variables to understand the distinct and combined effects on electrical efficiency, thermal efficiency, and cooling performance through expanded simulations.The goal of the analyses was to optimize the configuration of the system in order to achieve maximum energy output performance.<\/div>\n
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Figure 1:<\/span> Simulink model of the proposed hybrid PVT system integrated with air-cooled chiller, pre-mist system, and heat exchanger.<\/div>\n
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Figure 2:<\/span> Mechanical outlines of the existing PV system with air-cooled chiller (Case 1) and the proposed PVT system integrated<\/div>\n
with air-cooled chiller, pre-mist system, and heat exchanger (Case 2).<\/div>\n
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How was the project developed?<\/span><\/h2>\n
The administrative building of the Special Communications Commission in the capital Amman was chosen as a case study where local climate and energy data specific to the selected location was analyzed.Our approach included the following:<\/div>\n