Performance modeling and analysis of high-concentration multi-junction photovoltaics using advanced hybrid cooling systems

Abstract

This paper presents the performance modeling and analysis of the high-concentration multi-junction photovoltaic cells, using either constant-width one-section or two-stepwise microchannels-jet impingement hybrid cooling system. The performance simulation and analysis of the cells are conducted using a three dimensional-Computational Fluid Dynamics program for various operating parameters, including water flow rate (100–1300 mL/min.), inlet water temperature (10–80 °C), and heat flux (10–90 W/cm2 corresponding to concentration ratios of 250–2250). The thermal and electrical characteristics of the cells are correlated in dimensionless form as functions of the direct normal irradiance and the operating and geometrical parameters of the hybrid cooling systems. The developed high-quality explicit performance model correlations assist in the design, performance prediction, and selection of operation strategy of photovoltaic cells. The results indicated that the generated and net output power is directly proportional to the applied heat flux (concentration ratio) and inversely proportional to the inlet water temperature. Temperature uniformity of the photovoltaic base enhances with the water flow rate, deteriorates with heat flux, and less affected by the inlet temperature, particularly for the two-sections cooling system. The pumping power increases with water flow rate and decreases as both inlet temperature or heat flux increases. Heat transfer characteristics enhance significantly with water flow rate, moderately with inlet water temperature and slightly with heat flux.