Performance enhancement of concentrator photovoltaic systems using nanofluids

Abstract

In the current study, a newly developed low photovoltaic concentrator (LCPV) equipped with nanofluid-based cooling channels, directly contacting the rare LCPV, was examined in detail. Nanofluid acts as a coolant that flowing over the back of LCPV to maintain its optimal operating temperature with the best overall performance. The coolants used are water and aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3)/water nanofluids 1%, 2%, and 3% by volume concentration. When circulating a 3%-Al 2 O 3 /water nanofluid, the temperature of the LCPV module is dropped by 16.47 C compared to the uncooled module and keeps its operating temperature under 45 C during the experimental tests. This reduction in the LCPV module temperature with V-trough reflector mirrors in turn increased its performance. The results revealed that the daily electrical output power of the uncooled LCPV module was 1646.85 W, whereas, was 1870.55 W with (13.58%) improvement with the case of water cooling. However, cooling with 3%-Al 2 O 3 /water nanofluid, the power output of the LPVC was 2319.88 W with (24.02%) and (40.86%) enhancement compared to pure water cooling and without cooling respectively. The rise in the volume fraction ratio of Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles remarkably decreases the operating temperature of the LCPV module and improves both electrical and thermal efficiency.

Optical Developments in Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems—A Review

“…A novel cooling method was developed using Al 2 O 3 which improved the thermal and electrical efficiencies to 35.79% and 10.24%, respectively [81]. Furthermore, the output power increased to 40.86% using Al 2 O 3 [82].…”

Gamma radiation induced variation in structure formation and optical characteristics of evaporated tris [2-phenylpyridinato-C2,N]iridium(III) films prepared by electron beam evaporator in photovoltaic applications

“…Organic compounds with semi-conductive properties are gaining a lot of attention as potential materials for numerous uses [1]. Since they can be used to create a new class of semiconductor-based devices, they have beneficial photoelectric and electrical qualities including gas sensors [2,3], photodynamic therapy [4] and solar energy conversion technologies [5]. In comparison to inorganic materials, organic materials have a variety of advantages, including high light absorption at a wide range of wavelengths, high flexibility, low cost of manufacture, and light weight [1].…”

Cooling of a PVT System Using an Underground Heat Exchanger: An Experimental Study

“… 7 The overall efficiency of such systems is considered high and sometimes reaches more than 90% (not accounting for the difference of energy from—electrical or thermal). The collector used in PVT systems is a heat exchanger whose shape and design depends on the fluid used, 8 water, 9 nanofluids, 10 PCM, 11 or nanofluids and nano-PCM. 12 Hou et al (2022) 14 also explained that the shape of the flow inside the collector has a key role in determining the enhancement in efficiencies, whether electrical or thermal.…”