Simulation and Model Validation of the Surface Cooling System for Improving the Power of a Photovoltaic Module

Abstract

One of the unique features of photovoltaic (PV) modules is the power drop that occurs as the silicon temperature increases due to the characteristics of the crystalline silicon used in a solar cell. To overcome this reduction in power, module surface cooling using water circulation was employed. The model performance was then conceptually evaluated and experimentally verified. A transient model was developed using energy balances and heat and mass transfer relationships from various other sources to simulate the surface cooling system. The measurements were in good agreement with the model predictions. The maximum deviation between the measured and predicted water and silicon temperature differed by less than 4 °C. The maximum power enhancement in response to the cooling was 11.6% when compared with a control module. The surface cooling system also washed the module surface via water circulation, which resulted in an additional power up of the PV module in response to removal of the particles that interfere with solar radiation from the surface of the PV module. Accordingly, the cooling system could reduce maintenance costs and prevent accidents associated with cleaning. In addition, the increase in cooling water temperature can serve as a heat source. The system developed here can be applied to existing photovoltaic power generation facilities without any difficulties as well.

A review of dust accumulation on PV panels in the MENA and the Far East regions

“…Water cleaning 1) Decreasing system temperature [133][134][135][136][137][138] 2) Helps in reducing the reliability on rainfalls (natural cleaning)…”

Theoretical and experimental research to development of water‐film cooling system for commercial photovoltaic modules

“…Moreover, it is a way to reduce the thermal degradation rate of the PV module, once the surface temperature reduction decreases the heat stored inside the cells [43]. According to Kim et al [25], during tests, the amount of evaporated water was 0.8 kg m − ².h, in the period with temperatures on the PV module between 30 and 35 • C, which proves the need for a system with periodical replacement.…”

Adaptive Model Predictive Control of Module Temperature in Photovoltaic Systems

“…24−26 In contrast, active cooling requires an external cooling system to maintain the temperature of the module at the desired range. 27 Along this line of approach, Mojumder et al 28 presented an experimental demonstration of an active cooling system by utilizing water cooling 29 and air cooling through vents and fins.…”

“…Therefore, PCM-based technology is not preferred and commercialized widely . In studies, a spiral heat exchanger is proposed, which is placed on the surface of the panel to provide passive cooling. − In contrast, active cooling requires an external cooling system to maintain the temperature of the module at the desired range . Along this line of approach, Mojumder et al presented an experimental demonstration of an active cooling system by utilizing water cooling and air cooling through vents and fins.…”