ABSTRACT

One of the significant obstacles for improving the photovoltaic (PV) performance and lowering their surface temperature are the cost, durability and simplicity of cooling systems. Regular aluminum fins have been added in various configurations to the back surface of a PV panel in order to reduce the PV surface temperature and improve the output power. The experimental set-up consists of four photovoltaic panels. PV-1 was used as a baseline, and PV-2 was utilized with longitudinal fins and exposed to natural air cooling. PV-3 was employed to offer forced air cooled at different air velocities with similar longitudinal fins. PV-4 was used with forced air cooling at various air velocities and fins installed in an S shape arrangement. The largest percentage of temperature drops on the PV surface was achieved by the PV-3 with longitudinal fins and forced air cooling. Panels PV-2, PV-3, and PV-4, respectively, have surface temperature drops of 5.48%, 11.86%, and 9.57% in comparison with the baseline panel PV-1. The output power of PV-3 panel having longitudinal fins and forced air cooling increased by 5.42% compared to the baseline PV-1. Additionally, it will be possible to use the heat that absorb by the cooling medium, air, for other purposes.