Evaluating the Effects of Air Cooling on Photovoltaic Module Performance in Hot Climates: A Comprehensive Numerical and Experimental Investigation
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: The performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is significantly impacted by heat accumulation within the module materials, resulting from solar irradiance.This heat accumulation leads to increased module temperatures and decreased output power.Consequently, enhancing the cooling performance of PV modules can improve their output power, electrical efficiency, and extend their operational lifespan.In this study, the influence of air cooling on solar PV module performance under hot climatic conditions was investigated experimentally and numerically for various ambient temperatures (35, 40, 45℃) and irradiance levels (G: 800, 900, 1000 W) at different air flowrates.A numerical investigation was conducted using a turbulent flow simulation model, solved with COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4 software.Results demonstrated a considerable reduction in PV module temperature as the cooling air flowrate increased under diverse testing conditions.Module temperature increments of approximately 1.8% and 4% were observed for G=900 W and 1000 W, respectively, when compared to G=800 W. The output power of PV modules incorporating air cooling exhibited enhancements of roughly 8.2%, 7%, and 5.4% for irradiances of 800, 900, and 1000 W, respectively, compared to those without cooling.Furthermore, the electrical efficiency of PV modules with air cooling improved by approximately 4%, 4.4%, and 5% for irradiances of 800, 900, and 1000 W, respectively, in comparison to those lacking cooling mechanisms.
DOI: 10.18280/mmep.100330
Institutions: Middle Technical University, Southern Technical University
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4382540342