A review of photovoltaic/thermal system cooled using mono and hybrid nanofluids

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) technology is a more successful alternative to producing electrical power than conventional energy sources in the modern era. However, it suffers from low conversion efficiency at high operation temperatures. Therefore, PV cooling methods are crucial to improving technology efficiency and prolonging its lifetime. Photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) is a key to producing thermal and electrical energy, employing different fluids, including nanofluids (NFs). This review paper analyses the improvement in the PV/T system using various cooling methods, including air-based, water-based, bi-fluid, nanofluid, and other passive cooling methods. This review focuses on employing mono (NFs) and hybrid (NFs) to improve the PV/T thermal and electrical performance, considering the PV/T design, nanoparticle type, concentration, and operational aspects. In addition, some insights have been delivered as a starting point for further research. Conclusively, the bi-fluids have remarkably enhanced the PV/T electrical and thermal efficiencies by up to 26% and 85%, while NFs showed enhancements by 24% and 82%, respectively. However, there is still a need for further studies to meet technical and economic concerns using these types of fluids for cooling purposes.