Enhancing solar photovoltaic efficiency: A computational fluid dynamics analysis

The growing need for sustainable energy solutions, driven by rising energy shortages, environmental concerns, and the depletion of conventional energy sources, has led to a significant focus on renewable energy. Solar energy, among the various renewable sources, is particularly appealing due to its...

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Main Authors: Rai, Rahool, Mangi, Fareed Hussain, Ahmed, Kashif, Sudhakar, Kumarasamy
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Tech Science Press 2024
Subjects:
Online Access:http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/43654/1/Enhancing%20Solar%20Photovoltaic%20Efficiency.pdf
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author Rai, Rahool
Mangi, Fareed Hussain
Ahmed, Kashif
Sudhakar, Kumarasamy
author_facet Rai, Rahool
Mangi, Fareed Hussain
Ahmed, Kashif
Sudhakar, Kumarasamy
author_sort Rai, Rahool
collection UMP
description The growing need for sustainable energy solutions, driven by rising energy shortages, environmental concerns, and the depletion of conventional energy sources, has led to a significant focus on renewable energy. Solar energy, among the various renewable sources, is particularly appealing due to its abundant availability. However, the efficiency of commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is hindered by several factors, notably their conversion efficiency, which averages around 19%. This efficiency can further decline to 10%–16% due to temperature increases during peak sunlight hours. This study investigates the cooling of PV modules by applying water to their front surface through Computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for cooling the PV module by analyzing the interplay between water film thickness, Reynolds number, and their effects on temperature reduction and heat transfer. The CFD analysis revealed that the most effective cooling condition occurred with a 5 mm thick water film and a Reynolds number of 10. These specific parameters were found to maximize the heat transfer and temperature reduction efficiency. This finding is crucial for the development of practical and efficient cooling systems for PV modules, potentially leading to improved performance and longevity of solar panels. Alternative cooling fluids or advanced cooling techniques that might offer even better efficiency or practical benefits.
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spelling UMPir436542025-01-20T07:53:30Z http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/43654/ Enhancing solar photovoltaic efficiency: A computational fluid dynamics analysis Rai, Rahool Mangi, Fareed Hussain Ahmed, Kashif Sudhakar, Kumarasamy TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery The growing need for sustainable energy solutions, driven by rising energy shortages, environmental concerns, and the depletion of conventional energy sources, has led to a significant focus on renewable energy. Solar energy, among the various renewable sources, is particularly appealing due to its abundant availability. However, the efficiency of commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is hindered by several factors, notably their conversion efficiency, which averages around 19%. This efficiency can further decline to 10%–16% due to temperature increases during peak sunlight hours. This study investigates the cooling of PV modules by applying water to their front surface through Computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for cooling the PV module by analyzing the interplay between water film thickness, Reynolds number, and their effects on temperature reduction and heat transfer. The CFD analysis revealed that the most effective cooling condition occurred with a 5 mm thick water film and a Reynolds number of 10. These specific parameters were found to maximize the heat transfer and temperature reduction efficiency. This finding is crucial for the development of practical and efficient cooling systems for PV modules, potentially leading to improved performance and longevity of solar panels. Alternative cooling fluids or advanced cooling techniques that might offer even better efficiency or practical benefits. Tech Science Press 2024-12-27 Article PeerReviewed pdf en cc_by_4 http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/43654/1/Enhancing%20Solar%20Photovoltaic%20Efficiency.pdf Rai, Rahool and Mangi, Fareed Hussain and Ahmed, Kashif and Sudhakar, Kumarasamy (2024) Enhancing solar photovoltaic efficiency: A computational fluid dynamics analysis. Energy Engineering, 122 (1). 153 -166. ISSN 0199-8595. (Published) https://doi.org/10.32604/ee.2024.051789 https://doi.org/10.32604/ee.2024.051789
spellingShingle TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
Rai, Rahool
Mangi, Fareed Hussain
Ahmed, Kashif
Sudhakar, Kumarasamy
Enhancing solar photovoltaic efficiency: A computational fluid dynamics analysis
title Enhancing solar photovoltaic efficiency: A computational fluid dynamics analysis
title_full Enhancing solar photovoltaic efficiency: A computational fluid dynamics analysis
title_fullStr Enhancing solar photovoltaic efficiency: A computational fluid dynamics analysis
title_full_unstemmed Enhancing solar photovoltaic efficiency: A computational fluid dynamics analysis
title_short Enhancing solar photovoltaic efficiency: A computational fluid dynamics analysis
title_sort enhancing solar photovoltaic efficiency a computational fluid dynamics analysis
topic TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
url http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/43654/1/Enhancing%20Solar%20Photovoltaic%20Efficiency.pdf
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AT ahmedkashif enhancingsolarphotovoltaicefficiencyacomputationalfluiddynamicsanalysis
AT sudhakarkumarasamy enhancingsolarphotovoltaicefficiencyacomputationalfluiddynamicsanalysis