Performance Investigation of Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) Solar Collector Using Effective Cooling Techniques: Review

Abstract

The use of conventional fuel sources fulfils the energy requirements for all human activities and comfort. But the traditional fuel sources are limited and always have been a serious matter of concern. So it is essential to find an alternative source for energy generation to fulfil the energy requirements. Solar power is a non-traditional energy source, and it has great potential to be an alternative source of energy in the future. More solar radiation enters the atmosphere on earth than overall global energy consumption. So it is an abundantly and continuously available source of energy. Also, it is available free of cost. So it has good scope for energy production. Photovoltaic cells turn the solar irradiance into electric power. But they have very low conversion efficiencies. Generally, 0.45% reduction in the relative efficiency of PV panel with per degree rise in temperature. The rest of the energy is wasted as heat energy. Thus, it is essential to remove the PV system's heat to retain its optimum performance. Identified cooling technologies are proposed in-detail in this review paper.