Heat transfer in spherical micro solar cell modules

Abstract

Recently, spherical solar cells (SPVC) have drawn attention due to their low costs, flexibility, and efficiency: spherical reception surface can intercept sunlight in all directions thus increasing its power generation capacity. This paper reports a numerical analysis of steady state heat transfer from the SPVC to the ambient, unveiling the underlying paths and mechanisms. Within the limits of acceptable simplifying assumptions we define a sequence of 3D FEM models aimed at investigating the convective heat transfer processes: natural convection cooling and forced convection of a SPVC panel. The results may be used to optimizing the thermal design of SPVC modules.