A comprehensive study on passive cooling of a PV device using PCM and various fin configurations: Pin, spring, and Y-shaped fins

Abstract

This study addresses the need for effective passive cooling strategies in compact photovoltaic (PV) modules by exploring three distinct fin shapes—pin fin, Y-shaped fin, and spring fin—utilizing both numerical simulations and experiments. The objective is to enhance heat transfer rates in PV devices through extended surfaces and phase-change material (PCM). Departing from conventional approaches like metal foams and plate fins that contribute to increased weight and system complexity, the research employs the finite volume method in computational fluid dynamics for numerical simulations, validated with experimental data. Comparative scenarios include fins with the same cross-sectional area and the same volume, revealing that the pin fin configuration outperforms others significantly. An experimental focus on pin fin numbers and lengths demonstrates a remarkable 9 °C temperature reduction with fully saturated pin fins, translating to a 4 % increase in efficiency and a noteworthy 0.8 V enhancement in open-circuit voltage. The findings underscore the potential of this proposed PV-PCM passive cooling approach for achieving performance enhancements while being easily constructed at a lower cost, providing a cost-efficient solution with clear quantitative results indicating temperature reduction, efficiency improvement, and enhanced voltage.