An Experimental and Numerical Study to Improve the Efficiency of PV Modules by Using Nano-Fluid Cooling System

Abstract

The photovoltaic technology (PV) has gained much attention in the recent decades due to the increasing global demand for electrical energy due to the accelerated technological growth in all aspects of our life. Moreover, other significant factors have played a role in boosting its use such as the continuous rising of the fossil fuel costs accompanying the declining reserves. In addition, there are growing concerns about fossil fuels effects on the environment due to the accumulation of the pollutants at rates higher than what the ecosystems can handle.  Jordan is one of the most affected regions by fossil fuel energy crisis especially due to its indigenous energy resources, which means dependency on imported energy, which negatively affects its economy. Even though the solar power technology has advanced significantly in the recent years, the relatively poor efficiency and the high initial costs are the primary barriers for its wide spreading. In this study, the photovoltaic back-surface cooling channel is used with a nanofluid cooling. The tests have utilized cooling channels with a thickness of 5 cm for two different concentrations of Aluminum oxide Al2O3 nanofluids (i.e., 0.05 wt.%, and 0.1 wt.%). The Aluminum oxide is a white odorless crystalline powder, it is amphoteric in nature, and it is used in many chemicals, industrial and commercial applications. The tests have been also made for three different volumetric flow rates (i.e., 1 L/min, 1.5 L/min, and 2 L/min). The effect of using a nanofluid cooling system to improve the performance of the photovoltaic panels has been examined. Experiments have been carried out at different conditions for optimizing the cooling performance of the PV modules. The cooling channel with 0.1 wt.% Aluminum oxide, and volumetric flow rate of 2 L/min has showed the best photovoltaic efficiency. For the uncooled PV module, the maximum temperature reached has been 67 °C. Therefore, using the nanofluid coolant has decreased the temperature about 38% and increased the power output to about 9.6%.
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