Work

A New Method for Assessing the Performance of Photovoltaic Module Enhancing Techniques Based on the Lifespan and Power Effectiveness Factor

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) module enhancers—such as coolers or reflectors—are developed to improve the electrical output and thermal management of PV systems. A previous method evaluated enhancer effectiveness based solely on the lifespan of both the PV module and the enhancer. However, this approach did not account for the net power contribution of the enhancer, limiting its applicability in performance comparisons. To address this gap, a new metric is introduced, the lifespan and power effectiveness factor (FLSPE), which incorporates both power and durability dimensions. The proposed method requires five parameters: the lifespan of the PV module (PVLS) and the enhancer (PVCLS), the net power from the enhancer (PPVC), the baseline PV power without enhancement (PPV), and the maximum PV power under standard test conditions (PPV,max). Experimental data from prior studies were used to validate the method. The results show that the FLSPE values for different enhancers ranged from 0.22 (22%) to 0.37 (37%). Maximum or minimum performance occurs when the FLSPE value is either unity or equivalent to the ratio of the PV’s power output (PV without an enhancer) to its maximum power under standard test conditions (PPVPPV,max), respectively. The proposed method not only offers improved clarity in evaluating PV enhancer technologies but also provides a robust framework for selecting durable and power-efficient PV cooling solutions.

Source: Processes

DOI: 10.3390/pr13051311

Authors: Sakhr M. Sultan, C. P. Tso, M. Z. Abdullah, K. Sopian

Institutions: National University of Malaysia, Multimedia University, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Petronas

Language: English

Topic: Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896