What is it about?
This paper reports an energy efficient approach to cool PV systems using water. This will enhance the energy output of the system. The coolant (water) is circulated in a semi-passive technique making use of gravity in one half cycle. In addition, the circulation height between the two reservoirs is minimised (optimised), to allow the use of energy efficient cheap DC pumps for coolant circulation.
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Why is it important?
This system uses minimum energy input, therefore has the ability to have a larger net energy gain. This will lead to benefits in PV installation sizing as well as space requirements as a result of improved efficiency during operation. This system also recyles the the water, amking it suitable for arid regions where water is scarce. In addition, these areas are also those with strong temperature impacts on the PV panels.
Perspectives
In perspectives, studies by the integration of this system in buildings to heat up the building interiors can also be considered. This is likely to improve on the thermal confort of the building areas where very low temperatures are experienced during the nights.
Divine Khan Ngwashi
University of Buea
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Performance enhancement of photovoltaic systems by semi-passive water cooling, January 2023, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/5.0129143.
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