Enhancing Efficiency of Photovoltaic Thermal Systems in Tropical Climates: A Review of Automated Control Strategies, Cooling Mechanisms, and Experimental Insights

Abstract

This review consolidates research on enhancing the performance of Photovoltaic Thermal (PV/T) systems through automated systems, control, and optimization, specifically addressing efficiency losses attributed to high irradiance and ambient temperatures in tropical regions. The review's objectives include evaluating automated control and optimization techniques, benchmarking cooling methods, analyzing experimental validations and case studies, comparing industrial applications, and identifying emerging trends in PV/T technologies. A systematic analysis was performed on empirical, numerical, and hybrid studies from tropical and subtropical climates, with a focus on control strategies, cooling performance, experimental rigor, deployment scale, and the adoption of innovations. The key findings suggest that efficiency gains of up to 28% can be achieved through advanced automated controls and hybrid cooling systems. Effective thermal management methods include water cooling, nanofluids, and phase change materials (PCM). The review also emphasizes robust experimental validations conducted under real tropical conditions, though it notes that industrial-scale applications are limited by economic and scalability challenges. Furthermore, the integration of AI-driven optimization and smart control systems shows promising potential but requires additional field validation. Collectively, these findings highlight critical gaps in long-term stability, cost-effectiveness, and adaptive control under diverse tropical climates. The review underscores the necessity for scalable and economically viable PV/T solutions that incorporate advanced materials and intelligent systems to optimize performance and facilitate sustainable energy adoption in tropical environments.