Enhancing performance of photovoltaic panel by cold plate design with guided channels

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) panel is subjected to high temperatures from solar radiation. The performance of the PV paneldeteriorates as the PV's operating temperature increases. This study aims to examine the cooling method using a cold plateattached to the PV panel to lower its operating temperature. The cold plate consists of several guided channels or ribbed wallsof thickness 0.015 m to direct the circulating water flow from its entrance to the exit point at the back of the PV panel. Theexperiment demonstrates a decrease of around 21.2°C in surface temperature and improves ~2% in electrical efficiency, 8% inthermal efficiency and 1.6% in PV panel efficiency as compared to PV panel without a cooling system. The relationship betweenthe average PV's surface temperature and output power is obtained. The uncertainty analysis shows that the average standarddeviation in PVs, electrical and thermal efficiency is not more than 1.26% when subjected to differences in the day ofmeasurements, mass flow rate, and pressure of the pump.