Optimization the performance of photovoltaic panels using aluminum-oxide nanofluid as cooling fluid at different concentrations and one-pass flow system

Abstract

The photovoltaic panel's efficiency will drop when the surface temperature rises, that will also have an adverse effect on the panel's performance and lifespan. Therefore, the cooling of the photovoltaic panel will increase the electrical efficiency. In this experimental study, monocrystalline solar panels are cooled using water or aluminum-oxide nanofluid at various concentrations (1 wt %, 2 wt %, and 3 wt %). The experiments were conducted at different flow rates of cooling fluid ranging from (0.8–1.6) L/min. The results are compared to the photovoltaic panel that was used without cooling. The most significant decrease in photovoltaic surface temperature was achieved using a nanofluid at a concentration of 3 wt%. In comparison to an uncooled panel, the surface temperature at this concentration decreased by 23.14%. For the same nanofluid concentration of 3 wt%, the panel efficiency increased to 20.2% in turbulent flow as compared to 15% in laminar flow. The greatest increase in output power was also seen with nanofluid at a 3 wt% concentration. At cooling by nanofluid with this concentration, the output power improved by 13% as compared to uncooled panel. The greatest increase in cooling fluid temperature was produced by the use of turbulent flow of nanofluid with a concentration of 3 wt%. This temperature rise was 9.9 ° C for the same concentration of turbulent flow as compared to 7.9 ° C for laminar flow. Nanofluids, on the other hand, will be extremely effective at storing and using the heat extracted from a thermal Photovoltaic as passive energy, which may be used for a variety of purposes.