In the relentless pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, a groundbreaking study has emerged, offering a promising path towards enhanced photovoltaic (PV) performance and carbon neutrality. Led by Ahssan M.A. Alshibil, a researcher affiliated with the Institute of Technology at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kufa, and the Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Unit, the study introduces a novel dual-cooling technique for PV modules that could revolutionize the energy sector.
The research, published in the journal ‘Energy Conversion and Management: X’ (translated from Hungarian as ‘Energy Conversion and Management: X’), focuses on optimizing the performance of PV modules through an innovative cooling system. This system integrates pyramid-shaped fins and a serpentine pipe within a perforated frame, effectively absorbing heat dissipated from solar cells. The results are striking: the dual-cooled configuration (PV-d) improves electrical efficiency by 38.4%, achieving a peak output of 42.87 W under an irradiance of 1018.76 W/m². This is a significant leap compared to the 34 W output of the air-cooled unit (PV-a) and the 30 W of the conventional unit (PV-r).
“The dual-cooling technique not only enhances the efficiency of PV modules but also ensures superior thermal regulation,” explains Alshibil. “Our findings demonstrate that the PV-d module maintained the lowest solar cell temperature at 35.62°C, compared to 40.78°C for PV-a and 47.68°C for PV-r. This thermal regulation is crucial for the long-term performance and stability of PV systems.”
The study also delves into exergy analysis, revealing substantial efficiency gains. The dual-cooling technique in perforated frame-based PV modules achieved exergy efficiencies ranging from 16.4% to 35.3%, significantly outperforming the maximum efficiency of 24.08% observed in air-cooled systems and 6.69% for the reference PV system. Thermal efficiency results further underscore the superiority of the dual-cooled system, which achieved a peak efficiency of 75% at 1018.76 W/m², markedly higher than the 50.5% recorded for the air-cooled system.
Economically, the dual-cooling system proves its viability with a payback period of 173 days, notably shorter than the 324.7 days for the conventional PV-r module. This financial advantage, coupled with enhanced performance, makes the dual-cooling technique an attractive option for commercial applications.
“The adoption of dual cooling technologies ensures long-term performance stability while minimizing carbon emissions and conserving resources,” Alshibil emphasizes. “This system supports carbon neutrality by optimizing energy utilization and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the need for efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective PV technologies becomes increasingly critical. The dual-cooling technique offers a compelling solution, paving the way for future developments in photovoltaic/thermal systems. By enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact, this innovation could shape the trajectory of renewable energy adoption and contribute significantly to global efforts towards sustainability.
In a world grappling with climate change and energy challenges, Alshibil’s research provides a beacon of hope, demonstrating that technological advancements can drive us closer to a sustainable future. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the dual-cooling technique stands as a testament to the power of innovation in addressing global energy needs.