Photovoltaic Module with Uniform Water Flow on Top Surface

M S Govardhanan,G Kumaraguruparan,R Saravanan,M Kameswari,K Srithar,M Vivar

doi:10.1155/2020/8473253

Abstract

Though the solar photovoltaic (PV) module is used for power production, it usually works at high temperatures, decreasing its efficiency and therefore its output. So if an effective cooling method is to be implemented, it would reduce the heat from the solar PV module and increase its power production. Significant research in water cooling on both top and bottom surfaces of the PV module widen the scope for uniform cooling with constant module temperature throughout at any instant. In this work, uniform flow is maintained by means of overflow water from a tank fitted on the top of the PV module. Experiments were carried out with and without cooling. Performance parameters in terms of power output and efficiency have been presented for the PV module without cooling and cooling with three different mass flow rates. The results show that there is a significant rise in efficiency of the PV module by reducing its temperature. An accelerated output power of 23 W has been observed for a higher mass flow rate of 5.3 kg/min which is 15% higher than the photovoltaic module operating without cooling. Results were compared with previous researchers’ work and found to be a good enhancement. Theoretical results agree well with experiments.

Highlights

Photovoltaic module operating temperature, ambient conditions, band gap of the semiconductor, solar irradiation, and module materials are the key factors affecting its performance
The results showed that the uniform cooling had increased efficiency and a low module temperature than the nonuniform cooling
Based on pipe diameter and valve opening, three different mass flow rates (5.3, 3.8, and 2.3 kg/min) of cooling water flowing on the top of the solar PV module are used

Summary

Introduction

Photovoltaic module operating temperature, ambient conditions, band gap of the semiconductor, solar irradiation, and module materials are the key factors affecting its performance. Research work was carried out on cooling on both the top surface and the bottom surface of the PV module using different fluids like air, water, and water mixed with nanofluids. Rahman et al [1] discussed various parameters like dust, humidity, temperature, and irradiation intensity which are the influencing parameters in the efficiency of the PV module. Results showed that efficiency of the PV module is directly proportional to the cooling water flow rate and reduction in module temperature and inversely proportional to the reduction in humidity and dust accumulations. Results were compared between a PV module with cooling and one without cooling for different irradiance. Due to the effect of cooling, the output power increased to 8.04 W and efficiency increased to 1.23%

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