Experimental investigation on the effect of wind as a natural cooling agent for photovoltaic power plants in desert locations

Abstract

Due to the increasing necessity to decarbonize the energy generation process, the installation of solar photovoltaics has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Desert locations are one of the most attractive sites for Photovoltaic (PV) installations since this technology relies mainly on solar radiation. However, exposure to harsh climate conditions can significantly reduce the efficiency of the panels. One of the common problems with photovoltaics is the overheating of solar cells and the challengue is to find a low-cost, yet efficient technique to cool the PV modules. In this study, the impact of wind on PV modules' cooling under a hot arid climate was evaluated and quantified. For this reason, a 300Wp PV module has been exposed for six months (during the hot period of the year) in Benguerir, Mid-South of Morocco. The module's electrical parameters were measured together with the meteorological data using high-quality sensors. Results show that, even in a hot desert climate, the wind has a positive effect on reducing the PV module temperature, improving the electrical production, as well as, the conversion efficiency. In fact, a wind speed increase of 5.8 m/s results in a PV temperature drop of 12 °C, leading to an increase in power production and conversion efficiency by 7.2% and 6.5%, respectively. Additionally, the study evaluated the impact of wind direction and demonstrated that windward blowing (Southerly winds) facing the front surface of the PV panel exhibit a more efficient cooling effect than leeward blowing (Northerly winds), resulting in a temperature drop of 13 °C.