A Proposed Temperature-Dependent Photovoltaic Efficiency Difference Factor for Evaluating Photovoltaic Module Cooling Techniques in Natural or Forced Fluid Circulation Mode

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) system is one of the alternative technologies that is able to convert solar energy to electricity. The operation of the PV causes its solar cell temperature to be increased, and thus a drop in its performance. Although this loss of PV efficiency can be reduced by incorporating cooling techniques into the PV, there are no existing methods to objectively evaluate the PV cooling techniques. Hence, a method for assessing the PV cooling techniques is proposed here, based on a new parameter called the temperature-dependent PV efficiency difference factor, which is defined and derived. This factor identifies the relevant parameters that effect the efficiency that leads to the assessment of the overall PV cooling technique. This parameter can indicate if the cooling technique is contributing to the PV efficiency gain or loss, or neutral and may have the potential to be a measure of PV cooler performance evaluation by manufacturers and designers of such products.