How to cool down and reduce the voltage of photovoltaic panels

What are the cooling methods of PV panels?

The cooling methods as shown in Fig. 4, are essentially applied to enhance the efficiency of a panel by limiting the temperature rise, which must be very efficient, dependable, and cost-effective for a commercial application. Fig. 4. Cooling methods of PV panels . There are two types of PV panel cooling techniques i.e., active and passive.

What are the different cooling methods used in PV solar cells?

The cooling methods used are described under four broad categories: passive cooling techniques, active cooling techniques, PCM cooling, and PCM with additives. Many studies made a general review of the methods of cooling PV solar cells, especially the first three methods.

How a PV panel is cooled?

Air-based cooling technique PV panels can be cooled by forced and natural flow of air depending on active and passive cooling. Passive cooling is performed by the natural flow of air on a heated surface. While Active cooling is performed by the forced airflow in channels, heat sinks, and fins are attached to the back side of the panel.

How to reduce PV module temperature?

For the active cooling category, the researchers analyzed forced air cooling and forced water cooling, as well as techniques that use the water circulating in photovoltaic-thermal panels to cool down the temperature of the PV module. The scientists said these methods are the most expensive but most effective in reducing PV module temperatures.

Does natural cooling improve the efficiency of PV solar cells?

This method is represented by natural cooling with water or with air and heat pipe, but it improves the efficiency of the PV cell by a small percentage. Tripanagnostopoulos and Themelis (2010) did three modules for cooling PV solar cells through natural air.

How can photovoltaic panels be cooled?

Passive cooling of photovoltaic panels can be enhanced by additional components such as heat sinks, metallic materials such as fins installed on the back of P.V. to ensure convective heat transfer from air to panels . The high thermal conductive heat sinks are generally located behind the solar cell.