Effect of the fins length for the passive cooling of the photovoltaic panels

Abstract

A two-dimensional (2D) numerical model was used to simulate the use of a phase change material linked to a PV system to control the temperature rise of the PV cells. The predicted temperatures using the 2D model have been compared with experimental and numerical data of the literature and a good agreement was obtained for both the isotherm contours and time evolution of the temperature. An extended surface (fins) has been used in order to improve conductive heat transfer and to reinforce the thermal homogeneity. Concerning the inner fins included on the PV panel (Front), the obtained results show that these fins reduce significantly the temperature. Furthermore, the configurations of L = 25, 30 and 35 mm allow better cooling of the PV panel. On the other hand, the back inner fin used reduces dramatically the performance of the PV/PCM system for cooling the panel.