Effect of cooling on power generated by photovoltaic panels

Abstract

The paper presents a numerical analysis of the operation of photovoltaic (PV) panels integrated in fixed position on the roofs or facades of the buildings. Knowing that the efficiency of photovoltaic panels is temperature-dependent, and due to fixed PV panel position, the possibility of the improving the conversion is analysed from the point of view of the temperature of the PV cells. The model is simulated using TRNSYS software and the main functioning parameters assessed are the operating temperature of the cells, open circuit voltage, maximum power generated and conversion efficiency. The solution proposed for cooling consists in using water heat exchangers attached to the backside of the photovoltaic panel. The results highlight the direct dependence of the photovoltaic efficiency with the temperature of the panel for different positions in the same geographical location. The energy gain during the cooling interval is about 26.9 Wh/m2 (vertical), 81.9 Wh/m2 (inclined) and 81.7 Wh/m2 (horizontal), which represents an increase of 5.8%, 9.3% and 9.2% respectively, compared to the normal operating conditions.

Integrated photovoltaic-thermal system utilizing front surface water cooling technique: An experimental performance response

“…Also, the peak value of the electric power output is 22.2 W and 22.6 W at before and after cooling, respectively. Hudișteanu et al [ 31 ] conducted research on the impact of cooling on the power output of photovoltaic panels, and the findings demonstrated a significant increase in energy production during the cooling period. So, it is clear that the power output is increased with increase in voltage which is caused by cooling effect.…”

How the morning-afternoon cloudiness asymmetry affects the energy-maximizing azimuth direction of fixed-tilt monofacial solar panels

“…Therefore, the actual temperature variation is highly location- and installation-specific. Nevertheless, both weather data-based thermal modelling studies and long-duration outdoor tests indicate that the diurnal cycle of cell temperature is usually skewed towards the afternoon, even in cloudy conditions: that is, the cell temperature is generally higher in the afternoon than in the morning [ 33 – 35 ]. The resulting (opposite) asymmetry in conversion efficiency, similar to the asymmetry in cloudiness and aerosol load, favours the morning, that is, the eastern hemisphere.…”

Assessment of the Solar Energy Potential in the Romanian Nearshore

“…As expected, waves help reflect solar radiation, and humidity, wind, and lower air temperatures (compared to ground-mounted solar farms) provide better cooling, which leads to higher efficiency of PV panels. Hudișteanu [13] also observed that additional cooling of PV panels can increase the electricity produced by up to 9%. Additional cooling of the panels is necessary because the temperature of the photovoltaic cells is 20-30°C higher than the air temperature [14].…”