Progressive cooling techniques for photovoltaic module efficiency and reliability: Comparative evaluation and optimization

Abstract

The temperature of photovoltaic modules during operation is one of the most critical criteria for determining both efficiency and reliability. Alternative PV module cooling techniques have been offered as a means of lowering module temperature, lowering deterioration rates, and enhancing efficiency. In this work, progressive cooling methods including water jacket, phase change material (PCM), and heatsink are thoroughly analyzed using the finite element model. In addition, considerable improvements in the PV module efficiency and reliability are accomplished by introducing new designs for the water jacket. The results show that a water jacket with an aluminum container design performs best when the mass flow rate is 8 kg/min, resulting in a 6.8% power gain, whereas a water jacket with an aluminum pipe design performs best when the pipe diameter is 2.5 cm and the mass flow rate is 2 kg/min, resulting in a 5.2% power gain. In natural convection conditions, the PCM paraffin wax RT-42 and water jacket implementations can reach a 10 °C and 12 °C drop, respectively, whilst the heatsink can only achieve a 4 °C drop. An empirical model is also used to predict and quantify the impact of each cooling method on the durability of PV modules. Water jackets, PCM, and heatsinks all increase solder fatigue life by 154, 103, and 27%, respectively. The module lifetime owing to hydrolysis mitigation is increased by 68, 56, and 18%, respectively, with water jackets, PCM, and heatsink, while the module lifetime due to photodegradation mitigation is increased by 37, 31, and 11%, respectively.