Experimental study on the various varieties of photovoltaic panels (PVs) cooling systems to increase their electrical efficiency.

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of cooling methods on the electrical efficiency of photovoltaic panels (PVs). The efficiency of four cooling techniques is experimentally analyzed. The most effective approach is identified as water-spray cooling on the front surface of PVs, which increases efficiency by 3.9% compared to the case without cooling. The results show that water-spray cooling raises the PV's temperature to 41°C, while improving its average daytime efficiency to 22%. Air-cooling, water-cooling in the tubes behind the PV, and aluminum oxide-water nanofluid cooling in the tubes behind the PV improve efficiency by 1.1%, 1.9%, and 2.7%, respectively. The findings highlight the potential of water-spray cooling as a cost-effective and efficient method to enhance PV efficiency and contribute to the global effort towards renewable energy.