Abstract
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have been widely used to convert the renewable energy from the sun to electrical energy to power electrical loads but suffers from relatively low efficiency between 15% to 22%. Typically, the panels have an average lifespan of 25 to 30 years but could degrade quicker due to the panel overheating. Beyond the optimum working temperature of 25°C, a drop of efficiency by 0.4 to 0.5% for every 1°C had been reported. For solar PV applications in urban regions, passive cooling is beneficial due to limited amount of space and lower energy consumption compared to active cooling. A solar PV system with augmented cooling was conducted at a balcony of a condominium from 10am until 2pm. The solar PV system consisted of an Arduino controller, solar panel module, temperature sensor and LCD monitor. Reusable cold and hot gel packs were attached to the bottom of the solar PV. Both setups of solar PV panel with and without the cooling system were placed at the balcony simultaneously for measurement of temperature, output voltage and current. From this research, the outcome of implementing a cooling system to the solar PV increases the efficiency of the energy conversion.
Highlights
Pollution on earth have been rising rapidly due to the usage of the non-renewable energy over the renewable energy
The downside to using this renewable source are much more expensive compared to the usage of non-renewable source which still remains comparatively cheaper the combustion of fossil fuel has led to environmental impact such as the significant rise in carbon dioxide and climate change due to global warming
The cost of solar panels has been reduced over decades, the implementation of solar energy for power generation by urban dwellers remains a challenge to them as there is a limited space to mount a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel
Summary
Pollution on earth have been rising rapidly due to the usage of the non-renewable energy over the renewable energy. The solar panel only absorb the solar energy from the sunlight with the conversion rate of 15% to 22% to convert this solar energy to electrical energy with the remaining percentage converted into heat which will be stored mostly at the bottom of the solar panel The active method produces a higher efficiency compared to the passive method because the active method has a higher cooling power it has a disadvantage as the active method is better for a larger scale of solar panel for big empty land due to the energy return is scientifically higher compare to those solar panel in the urban region which has a space constraint which is mostly on the roof of a certain house.
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