PV Panel Heat Transfer Rate Enhancement Using a Novel Heat Exchanger with High-Resolution Spikes and Dimples

Abstract

PV cell electrical efficiency has an inverse relationship with its temperature. This study uses a novel and commercialized backsheet to reduce PV panel surface temperature. The novel backsheet consists of spikes and dimples to increase the air turbulence and convection heat transfer rate. Experimentally validated computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models are developed to investigate the influence of GripMetal backsheet on PV cell temperature and efficiency of PV panels and PVT collectors. Under 1000 W/m2 solar irradiation, it is shown that a PVT collector with a 2.25 mm spikes height has almost 10% more electrical efficiency than a PVT collector with a flat plate channel. A maximum 22.5℃ temperature drop was observed by using the GM-based PVT collector for slow-motion airflow. It is shown that the GM spikes are more efficient in low Reynolds numbers and can enhance air turbulence more effectively. The GM PVT collector has the best performance at low Reynolds numbers which is suitable for air-based PVT applications.