One of the unique features of photovoltaic (PV) modules is the power drop that occurs as the silicon temperature increases due to the characteristics of the crystalline silicon used in a solar cell. To overcome this reduction in power, module surface cooling using water circulation was employed. The model performance was then conceptually evaluated and experimentally verified. A transient model was developed using energy balances and heat and mass transfer relationships from various other sources to simulate the surface cooling system. The measurements were in good agreement with the model predictions. The maximum deviation between the measured and predicted water and silicon temperature differed by less than 4 °C. The maximum power enhancement in response to the cooling was 11.6% when compared with a control module. The surface cooling system also washed the module surface via water circulation, which resulted in an additional power up of the PV module in response to removal of the particles that interfere with solar radiation from the surface of the PV module. Accordingly, the cooling system could reduce maintenance costs and prevent accidents associated with cleaning. In addition, the increase in cooling water temperature can serve as a heat source. The system developed here can be applied to existing photovoltaic power generation facilities without any difficulties as well.
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November 2011
Research Papers
Simulation and Model Validation of the Surface Cooling System for Improving the Power of a Photovoltaic Module
Sujala Bhattarai,
Sujala Bhattarai
Department of Biosystems Engineering,
Kangwon National University
, Hyoja 2 Dong, Chuncheon 192-1, Republic of Korea
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Jae-Heun Oh
Jae-Heun Oh
Forest Practice Research Center, Korea Forest Research Institute
, Jikdong-Ri 51, Soheul-Eup, Pocheon-Si, Gyeonggi-Do 487-821, Republic of Korea
Search for other works by this author on:
Sujala Bhattarai
Department of Biosystems Engineering,
Kangwon National University
, Hyoja 2 Dong, Chuncheon 192-1, Republic of Korea
Jae-Heun Oh
Forest Practice Research Center, Korea Forest Research Institute
, Jikdong-Ri 51, Soheul-Eup, Pocheon-Si, Gyeonggi-Do 487-821, Republic of Korea
J. Sol. Energy Eng. Nov 2011, 133(4): 041012 (6 pages)
Published Online: October 18, 2011
Article history
Received:
January 10, 2011
Revised:
June 30, 2011
Published:
October 18, 2011
Citation
Kim, D., Kim, D. H., Bhattarai, S., and Oh, J. (October 18, 2011). "Simulation and Model Validation of the Surface Cooling System for Improving the Power of a Photovoltaic Module." ASME. J. Sol. Energy Eng. November 2011; 133(4): 041012. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4004508
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