Investigating photovoltaic module performance using aluminium heat sink and forced cold-air circulation method in tropical climate conditions

Abstract

Solar energy is seen as a good option to replace fossil fuels in electricity generation. However, PV panels produce unnecessary heat energy during power generation which increases the temperature and affects the efficiency of PV cells. This article investigates the performance of PV modules using aluminum heat sinks and forced air cooling techniques. A cooling circuit configuration connecting a 6-inch pipe plenum with 5 T-shaped pipes is installed under the solar cell to provide better cold air distribution to the PV panels. The study was conducted on-site and in real-time conditions in a public hospital with high energy consumption as it operates continuously throughout the year. The combination of the two methods has optimized the performance of solar panels in terms of efficiency and electrical energy output. The average electrical efficiency of the studied PV panels is 17% and is very close to the PV module efficiency of 19.38% under standard test conditions (STC). The actual energy yield recorded for the installed PV panel is 12.35% higher than the estimated solar energy output under nominal operating cell temperature (NOCT) conditions. The results of the study show that solar energy generation can be optimized by considering the design, use of materials and proper cooling methods even when using the same solar panel.

Keywords

• Active cooling
• Forced-air cooling
• Heat sink
• Photovoltaic
• Solar energy