Enhancement of the photovoltaic thermal system performance using dual cooling techniques

Abstract

The aim of this work is to enhance the photovoltaic / thermal system performance by dissipating the high heat stored inside the PV panels. A new design of front and back cooling systems has been made based on spraying water on the front surface and circulation of a Nanofluid (A – H2O) in the back cooper pipes with a small heat exchanger. Deionized water and Nanopowder A are mixed homogenously to be the working fluid and used as a cooling fluid in the back closed system. Concentration ratios of Nanopowder are (0.1,0.2, 0.3,0.4, and 0.5) % with a different mass flow rates of water are applied. The thermal and electrical performance of PV/T was recorded as a function of solar irradiation intensity and temperature on the PV panel surface. The temperature of PV panel dropped from to 64 with front and back cooling by water. This dropping in temperature led to increase the average electrical PV efficiency to (7.5) % at an optimum flow rate of (2L/min.). When using Nanofluid (A H2O), the temperature dropped significantly to (45℃) at a concentration ratio of (0.3%) causing an increment in the PV efficiency of (10.9) %.