Efficiency Enhancement by Using a Solar PV Module Free Channel Rectangular Aluminum Fins

Abstract

The performance of PV modules decreases with a rise in temperature and the cooling techniques can increase the capacity and effectiveness of PV modules. In order to increase and improve the effectiveness of electrical output by lowering the PV module's exterior surface temperature, rectangular Free Channel Aluminum fins are attached to the PV module's backside surface. The primary objective of this research effort is to look into passive cooling performance of a silicon-based polycrystalline PV module.  It was shown that fins had a good chance of lowering PV module temperature and improving efficiency. The work on the use of different geometries of the fin is limited and the effect of their weight, thickness, and type of fin has not been studied extensively. In this work, the rectangular fins with open ends that form a free channel have been explored. The channel allows for airflow, which can ultimately improve the cooling impact of the panel. The experiment was conducted on entirely bright days, with an average ambient temperature of 35.5 °C, solar irradiance ranging from 100 to 1000 W/m2, and non-uniform fluctuations in wind speed with a mean value of 1.5 m/s. The effect of wind speed was also studied in the work. The heat transfer from the PV module after the installation of fins is 3.29 times the heat transfer without fins, and as a result, the maximum temperature drops on the back and front surfaces by 7.3 °C on the experimental day with an average solar radiation value of 646.32 W/m2 and a maximum value of 892.8 W/m2. For the entire day, the average temperatures for the back and front surfaces of PV modules with and without fins are (Tavg) back 3.94 °C and (Tavg) front 4.04 °C, respectively. As a result, it can be said that over the course of a day, the PV module with aluminum fins placed is 3.94 °C cooler than the one without. Electrical output efficiency was increased by up to 6.11% with cooling effect caused by the fins.  Fin-induced cooling produced an improved cooling effect i.e.  Electrical output efficiency by up to 6.11%. As a result, it is determined that passive cooling of PV modules, especially with rectangular free-channel aluminum fin designs, is the most suitable approach.  So, the system can be designed with the use of free channels made up of aluminum to boost the electrical performance of solar power panels and it is recommended to use passive techniques simultaneously to get better results.