Malaysian researchers have proposed a new passive technology based on heat sinks to cool solar cell modules. This technology can ensure that the payback period of the photovoltaic system is shortened and the temperature of the operating module is reduced by as much as 26C.
Researchers at the #1 Solar Energy Institute (SERI) in Malaysian universities have developed a new passive technology to keep solar panels cool. They claim that their new technology can reduce the operating temperature by as much as 26 degrees Celsius.
The system is based on the use of finned radiators and is designed with two configurations, namely overlapping fins and longitudinal fins. The scientists tested it with three different 40 W PV modules installed at a 14-degree tilt angle. Two of the modules are equipped with two different cooling technologies, and the third module is used as a reference panel without cooling.
For both systems, the optimal heat sink height is 200 mm. Planar reflectors are also used to increase solar radiation, thereby increasing the temperature of solar panels.
Researchers use data loggers and IV tracers to collect data. They also used pyranometers and thermocouples to verify the numerical simulations. They said: “The output power is recorded every one minute.” “Current-voltage, output power and PV module temperature data are also recorded.”
These measurements help researchers understand that the ideal number of fins for grinding and longitudinal fins is 18 and 15, respectively. The first of the two configurations is the most efficient cooling module.
They said: “Passive cooling with overlapping heat sinks shows the best performance. The average PV module temperature is 24.6 C lower than the reference PV module, and the achieved electrical efficiency and power output are as high as 10.68% and 37.1W, respectively.”
The electrical efficiency of the second configuration is 10.7%, and the output power reaches 30.65W. “Under the same experimental conditions, the temperatures reached by PV modules with longitudinal and overlapping heat sink radiators were 23.8% and 35.3% lower than that, respectively. The temperature of exposed photovoltaic modules does not require cooling.” The scientist said.
They also performed a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) for the two cooling technologies. The reference module without cooling has the highest efficiency and the cheapest price. The payback period of the entire photovoltaic module is 4.2 years, while the longitudinal fin is 5 years. The payback period for photovoltaic modules without cooling function is 8.4 years.
The scientists concluded: “Therefore, due to the use of passive technology, especially the overlapping heat sink design, cooling PV modules is considered to be the first choice over longitudinal heat sink designs.”
They described the cooling technology in the recently published “Experimental and Economic Analysis of Passively Cooled Photovoltaic Modules Using Fins and Planar Reflectors” in “Thermal Case Studies”.
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