Review of research in photovoltaic panels cooling for domestic and industrial applications

Abstract

This paper presents a review of recent photovoltaic cooling technologies and techniques used to reduce the negative impact of increased temperature to enhance the production of electricity by photovoltaic (PV) modules. Various cooling methods are reviewed; namely, Thermoelectric cooling, PV cooling with phase change materials (PCM) and nanofluids, PV systems cooled by forced water circulation, water immersion cooling technique, PV systems cooled by heat sinks, and solar PV systems cooled by water spraying. Several research papers are reviewed, and their focus is explained to provide an understanding of each cooling method to decrease the surface temperature of PV modules. In the conclusion section, the advantages and disadvantages of the above-mentioned cooling methods are expressed. This work can be used by engineers working on the design and theory of cooled photovoltaic systems.