Experimental investigation on improvement for thermal response of photovoltaic panels
Corressponding author's email:
lannv@hcmute.edu.vnKeywords:
PV solar cells, PCM, PV efficiency, Cooled PV, Solar radiationAbstract
Thermoelectric characteristic of commercial PV solar cells shows a reverse proportion between working temperature and produced electricity. Therefore, PV panels normally have flat-plate structure and are installed with open spaces at both front and back sides to facilitate natural convection and radiation to surrounding ambience. However, the actual working temperature of PV panels in general condition is usually much higher than the ambient temperature, thus its actual electrical efficiency is also quite lower than the nominated efficiency stated in its specifications. This research focuses on the solution to keep the working temperature if the PV panels by combining the supporting effects of PCMs and water cooling system. Results show that thank to the combined solution the temperature could be maintained at 7 – 15oC lower than that of the original PV without the supporting solution. It means that the electrical efficiency is kept longer at its higher range which is about 3.07% higher than that of the original PV. The temperature difference and the working period at lower temperature depend on the amount of PCM used, convection enhancement of water cooler employed, ambient conditions including incident radiation and temperature. Besides, heat transfer contact quality between each pair of components strongly effects on how effectively the working temperature is kept low.
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