The power output of the solar photovoltaic module decreases with an increase in its operating temperature. Thus, maintaining lower operating temperatures for solar photovoltaic modules is critical for achieving the desired higher output. Although several cooling strategies for PV modules have been documented in the literature, commercially suitable cooling systems for solar PV modules are scarce. The present study proposes a futuristic technology for the natural cooling of solar PV modules that uses thermosyphon-based natural circulation and can be accommodated by existing PV modules without the use of an external power source. The heat from the solar photovoltaic module was extracted by natural circulation and dissipated to the atmosphere through a finned surface condenser. To estimate the performance of the cooling system, a comprehensive theoretical model was developed, and the results of the theoretical models were compared with actual experimentation using a 40 Wp solar PV module. The experiments were conducted at Nagpur (21.1458 degrees N, 79.0882 degrees E) in February and March. The study concludes that the thermosyphon-based natural circulation cooling arrangement increases PV module output by approximately 6.5-10.5 when compared to a PV module without any cooling arrangement.
展开▼
