Application of Nanofluid in Photovoltaic Panels –A Review

Abstract

In Photovoltaic thermal (PVT) System, Nanofluid and its structure plays an important role in cooling photovoltaic panels. It is introduced as a non-conventional active/passive cooling method to improve the performance of the PVT system. A PVT system consists of several components such as solar panels to absorb and directly convert sunlight into electricity, ducting for fluid flow, supporting structure and accessories. A Nanofluid is a mixture of base fluid and nanometre sized particles such as metals, oxides and carbides. In the current work, attempt is made to review application of Nanofluid in the PVT system for better energy conversion efficiency. Keywords: Nanofluid; Hybrid PV/T System; Thermal conductivity; PV/T Performance; PV/T Cooling I. INTRODUCTIONThe energy from the sun can be converted into heat or electricity with the help of solar collector. With compare to low grade energy (heat) extraction in the form of high grade energy (electricity) is always preferred due to wide range of application and conversion efficiency. With the discovery of photovoltaic effect, solar energy can be easily converted into Electrical Energy with help of Photovoltaic cells. At present, the Photovoltaic cells have lower conversion efficiency which is less than 20% and remaining 80% of energy converted in the form of thermal energy. The thermal system has comparatively good efficiency but has lower grade of energy. The main reason behind the decrease in electrical efficiency of the PV panel is the increase in the module temperature of the PV. As due to Overheating of PV/T cells causes Reduction in Efficiency. The dissipation of heat can be done by supplying Nanofluid through duct or piping arrangement. NanoFluids are Solid-Liquid Composite materials which has the Ability to transfer heat across a small temperature difference. It enhances the efficiency of Energy Conversion. It contains Nanometer sized particles called Nano-Particles. Nanofluids are new generation Heat Transfer Fluids for various types of Applications.