Photovoltaic Cell Cooling as a Facilitator for MPPT

Abstract

The photovoltaic (PV) conversion efficiency is affected by PV cell temperature and solar irradiance modifications as they originate the vertical and horizontal displacement of the system Maximum Power Point (MPP), respectively. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms are responsible for guarantee MPP operation, which can be complex depending on the climatic alterations. However, if the PV cell temperature is kept constant climatic changes will only generate vertical displacement of the MPP. Therefore, in this paper, a cooling system for PV cells is presented and its influence as a facilitator of the MPPT both experimentally and theoretically is studied. The results show that the proposed cooling system allows a steadier PV cell temperature, which leads to a steadier MPP voltage while simultaneously producing thermal energy. Due to the smaller amplitude and a slower variation of the PV system MPP voltage, provided by the cooling system, a simplification of the MPPT is possible. Simpler MPPT algorithms can be use offering a similar efficiency to the more advanced MPPT methods while creating an economically viable cogeneration system.