FME Transactions (Jan 2018)
Recent advancement in cooling technologies of solar photovoltaic (PV) system
Abstract
The temperature of Photovoltaic (PV) module rises by absorbed incident solar radiation and causes subsequent drop off in electrical efficiency. To overcome this ill effect, an appropriate material must be used to absorb the heat and maintain the temperature of PV module. The purpose of present study is to review and understand various cooling techniques used to enhance cooling and electrical performance. The emphasis was placed on design and operating parameters like absorber configuration, flow pattern, flow rates, climatic conditions, radiation intensity, wind speed, thermal conductivity, glazing, concentration on the electrical and thermal characteristics. The reviewed papers include theoretical analysis, computer simulation, solar simulator and on-field experiments. The study states that the proper selection and utilization of cooling technology, design and process parameters are the key elements in the solar photovoltaic (PV) system to achieve optimum performance.